Unsymmetrical pyrrolobenzodiazepine-dimers for treatment of proliferative diseases

ABSTRACT

A compound with the formula I:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/079,113, filed on Nov. 13, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/123,327, filed on Apr. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,592,576, issued on Nov. 16, 2013, which is a national stage filingunder 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No. PCT/GB2009/002498,filed on Oct. 16, 2009, which claims foreign priority to United KingdomApplication No. 0819095.1, filed on Oct. 17, 2008. These applicationsare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present invention relates to pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs), inparticular pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers having a C2-C3 double bond andan aryl group at the C2 position in each monomer unit.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Some pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) have the ability to recognise andbond to specific sequences of DNA; the preferred sequence is PuGPu. Thefirst PBD antitumour antibiotic, anthramycin, was discovered in 1965(Leimgruber, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 87, 5793-5795 (1965);Leimgruber, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 87, 5791-5793 (1965)). Sincethen, a number of naturally occurring PBDs have been reported, and over10 synthetic routes have been developed to a variety of analogues(Thurston, et al., Chem. Rev. 1994, 433-465 (1994)). Family membersinclude abbeymycin (Hochlowski, et al., J. Antibiotics, 40, 145-148(1987)), chicamycin (Konishi, et al., J. Antibiotics, 37, 200-206(1984)), DC-81 (Japanese Patent 58-180 487; Thurston, et al., Chem.Brit., 26, 767-772 (1990); Bose, et al., Tetrahedron, 48, 751-758(1992)), mazethramycin (Kuminoto, et al., J. Antibiotics, 33, 665-667(1980)), neothramycins A and B (Takeuchi, et al., J. Antibiotics, 29,93-96 (1976)), porothramycin (Tsunakawa, et al., J. Antibiotics, 41,1366-1373 (1988)), prothracarcin (Shimizu, et al, J. Antibiotics, 29,2492-2503 (1982); Langley and Thurston, J. Org. Chem., 52, 91-97(1987)), sibanomicin (DC-102)(Hara, et al., J. Antibiotics, 41, 702-704(1988); Itoh, et al., J. Antibiotics, 41, 1281-1284 (1988)), sibiromycin(Leber, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 110, 2992-2993 (1988)) and tomamycin(Arima, et al., J. Antibiotics, 25, 437-444 (1972)). PBDs are of thegeneral structure:

They differ in the number, type and position of substituents, in boththeir aromatic A rings and pyrrolo C rings, and in the degree ofsaturation of the C ring. In the B-ring there is either an imine (N═C),a carbinolamine(NH—CH(OH)), or a carbinolamine methyl ether (NH—CH(OMe))at the N10-C11 position which is the electrophilic centre responsiblefor alkylating DNA. All of the known natural products have an(S)-configuration at the chiral Gila position which provides them with aright-handed twist when viewed from the C ring towards the A ring. Thisgives them the appropriate three-dimensional shape for isohelicity withthe minor groove of B-form DNA, leading to a snug fit at the bindingsite (Kohn, In Antibiotics III. Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 3-11(1975); Hurley and Needham-VanDevanter, Acc. Chem. Res., 19, 230-237(1986)). Their ability to form an adduct in the minor groove, enablesthem to interfere with DNA processing, hence their use as antitumouragents.

It has been previously disclosed that the biological activity of thismolecules can be potentiated by joining two PBD units together throughtheir C8/C′-hydroxyl functionalities via a flexible alkylene linker(Bose, D. S., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 114, 4939-4941 (1992);Thurston, D. E., et al., J. Org. Chem., 61, 8141-8147 (1996)). The PBDdimers are thought to form sequence-selective DNA lesions such as thepalindromic 5′-Pu-GATC-Py-3′ interstrand cross-link (Smellie, M., etal., Biochemistry, 42, 8232-8239 (2003); Martin, C., et al.,Biochemistry, 44, 4135-4147) which is thought to be mainly responsiblefor their biological activity. One example of a PBD dimmer, SG2000(SJG-136):

has recently completed Phase I clinical trials in the oncology area andis about to enter Phase II (Gregson, S., et al., J. Med. Chem., 44,737-748 (2001); Alley, M. C., et al., Cancer Research, 64, 6700-6706(2004); Hartley, J. A., et al., Cancer Research, 64, 6693-6699 (2004)).

More recently, the present inventors have previously disclosed in WO2005/085251, dimeric PBD compounds bearing C2 aryl substituents, such asSG2202 (ZC-207):

and in WO2006/111759, bisulphites of such PBD compounds, for exampleSG2285 (ZC-423):

These compounds have been shown to be highly useful cytotoxic agents(Howard, P. W., et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. (2009), doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.09.012).

Due to the manner in which these highly potent compounds act incross-linking DNA, these molecules have been made symmetrically. Thisprovides for straightforward synthesis, either by constructing the PBDmoieties simultaneously having already formed the dimer linkage, or byreacting already constructed PBD moieties with the dimer linking group.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have developed an unsymmetrical dimeric PBDcompound bearing aryl groups in the C2 position of each monomer, whereone of these groups bears a substituent designed to provide an anchorfor linking the compound to another moiety.

The present invention comprises a compound with the formula I:

wherein:

R² is of formula II:

where A is a C₅₋₇ aryl group, X is selected from the group comprising:OH, SH, CO₂H, COH, N═C═O, NHR^(N), wherein R^(N) is selected from thegroup comprising H and C₁₋₄ alkyl, and (OC₂H₄)_(m)OCH₃, where m is 1 to3, and either:

-   (i) Q¹ is a single bond, and Q² is selected from a single bond and    —Z—(CH₂)_(n)—, where Z is selected from a single bond, O, S and NH    and is from 1 to 3; or-   (ii) Q¹ is —CH═CH—, and Q² is a single bond;

R¹² is a C₅₋₁₀ aryl group, optionally substituted by one or moresubstituents selected from the group comprising: halo, nitro, cyano,ether, C₁₋₇ alkyl, C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl and bis-oxy-C₁₋₃ alkylene;

R⁶ and R⁹ are independently selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂,NHR, NRR′, nitro, Me₃Sn and halo;

where R and R′ are independently selected from optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl and C₅₋₂₀ aryl groups;

R⁷ is selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂, NHR, NHRR′, nitro, Me₃Snand halo;

either:

-   (a) R¹⁰ is H, and R¹¹ is OH, OR^(A), where R^(A) is C₁₋₄ alkyl;-   (b) R¹⁰ and R¹¹ form a nitrogen-carbon double bond between the    nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are bound; or-   (c) R¹⁰ is H and R¹¹ is SO_(z)M, where z is 2 or 3 and M is a    monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation;

R″ is a C₃₋₁₂ alkylene group, which chain may be interrupted by one ormore heteroatoms, e.g. O, S, NR^(N2) (where R^(N2) is H or C₁₋₄ alkyl),and/or aromatic rings, e.g. benzene or pyridine;

Y and Y′ are selected from O, S, or NH;

R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′) are selected from the same groups as R⁶, R⁷ andR⁹ respectively and R^(10′) and R^(11′) are the same as R¹⁰ and R¹¹,wherein if R¹¹ and R^(11′) are SO_(z)M, M may represent a divalentpharmaceutically acceptable cation.

A second aspect of the present invention provides the use of a compoundof the first aspect of the invention in the manufacture of a medicamentfor treating a proliferative disease. The second aspect also provides acompound of the first aspect of the invention for use in the treatmentof a proliferative disease.

One of ordinary skill in the art is readily able to determine whether ornot a candidate conjugate treats a proliferative condition for anyparticular cell type. For example, assays which may conveniently be usedto assess the activity offered by a particular compound are described inthe examples below.

The term “proliferative disease” pertains to an unwanted or uncontrolledcellular proliferation of excessive or abnormal cells which isundesired, such as, neoplastic or hyperplastic growth, whether in vitroor in vivo.

Examples of proliferative conditions include, but are not limited to,benign, pre-malignant, and malignant cellular proliferation, includingbut not limited to, neoplasms and tumours (e.g. histocytoma, glioma,astrocyoma, osteoma), cancers (e.g. lung cancer, small cell lung cancer,gastrointestinal cancer, bowel cancer, colon cancer, breast carinoma,ovarian carcinoma, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer,kidney cancer, bladder cancer, pancreas cancer, brain cancer, sarcoma,osteosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma), leukemias, psoriasis, bonediseases, fibroproliferative disorders (e.g. of connective tissues), andatherosclerosis. Cancers of particular interest include, but are notlimited to, leukemias and ovarian cancers.

Any type of cell may be treated, including but not limited to, lung,gastrointestinal (including, e.g. bowel, colon), breast (mammary),ovarian, prostate, liver (hepatic), kidney (renal), bladder, pancreas,brain, and skin.

A third aspect of the present invention comprises a compound of formulaII:

wherein:

R² is of formula II:

where A is a C₅₋₇ aryl group, X is selected from the group comprising:OH, SH, CO₂H, COH, N═C═O, NHR^(N), wherein R^(N) is selected from thegroup comprising H and C₁₋₄ alkyl, and (OC₂H₄)_(m)OCH₃, where m is 1 to3, and either:

-   (i) Q¹ is a single bond, and Q² is selected from a single bond and    —Z—(CH₂)_(n)—, where Z is selected from a single bond, O, S and NH    and is from 1 to 3; or-   (ii) Q¹ is —CH═CH—, and Q² is a single bond;

R¹² is a C₅₋₁₀ aryl group, optionally substituted by one or moresubstituents selected from the group comprising: halo, nitro, cyano,ether, C₁₋₇ alkyl, C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl and bis-oxy-C₁₋₃ alkylene;

R⁶ and R⁹ are independently selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂,NHR, NRR′, nitro, Me₃Sn and halo;

where R and R′ are independently selected from optionally substitutedC₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl and C₅₋₂₀ aryl groups;

R⁷ is selected from H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂, NHR, NHRR′, nitro, Me₃Snand halo;

either:

-   (a) R¹⁰ is carbamate nitrogen protecting group, and R¹¹ is    O-Prot^(O), wherein Prot^(O) is an oxygen protecting group;-   (b) R¹⁰ is a hemi-aminal nitrogen protecting group and R¹¹ is an oxo    group;

R″ is a C₃₋₁₂ alkylene group, which chain may be interrupted by one ormore heteroatoms, e.g. O, S, NR^(N2) (where R^(N2) is H or C₁₋₄ alkyl),and/or aromatic rings, e.g. benzene or pyridine;

Y and Y′ are selected from O, S, or NH;

R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′) are selected from the same groups as R⁶, R⁷ andR⁹ respectively and R^(10′) and R^(11′) are the same as R¹⁰ and R¹¹.

A fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a method of making acompound of formula I from a compound of formula II by deprotection ofthe imine bond.

The unsymmetrical dimeric PBD compounds of the present invention aremade by different strategies to those previously employed in makingsymmetrical dimeric PBD compounds. In particular, the present inventorshave developed a method which involves adding each each C2 arylsubstituent to a symmetrical PBD dimer core in separate method steps.Accordingly, a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a methodof making a compound of the first or third aspect of the invention,comprising at least one of the method steps set out below.

Definitions

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Cations

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable monovalent and divalent cationsare discussed in Berge, et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 66, 1-19 (1977), whichis incorporated herein by reference.

The pharmaceutically acceptable cation may be inorganic or organic.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable monovalent inorganic cationsinclude, but are not limited to, alkali metal ions such as Na⁺ and K.Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable divalent inorganic cationsinclude, but are not limited to, alkaline earth cations such as Ca²⁺ andMg²⁺. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable organic cations include,but are not limited to, ammonium ion (i.e. NH₄)⁺ and substitutedammonium ions (e.g. NH₃R⁺, NH₂R₂ ⁺, NHR₃ ⁺, NR₄ ⁺). Examples of somesuitable substituted ammonium ions are those derived from: ethylamine,diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine, triethylamine, butylamine,ethylenediamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, piperazine, benzylamine,phenylbenzylamine, choline, meglumine, and tromethamine, as well asamino acids, such as lysine and arginine. An example of a commonquaternary ammonium ion is N(CH₃)₄ ⁺.

Substituents

The phrase “optionally substituted” as used herein, pertains to a parentgroup which may be unsubstituted or which may be substituted.

Unless otherwise specified, the term “substituted” as used herein,pertains to a parent group which bears one or more substituents. Theterm “substituent” is used herein in the conventional sense and refersto a chemical moiety which is covalently attached to, or if appropriate,fused to, a parent group. A wide variety of substituents are well known,and methods for their formation and introduction into a variety ofparent groups are also well known.

Examples of substituents are described in more detail below.

C₁₋₁₂ alkyl: The term “C₁₋₁₂ alkyl” as used herein, pertains to amonovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a carbonatom of a hydrocarbon compound having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, whichmay be aliphatic or alicyclic, and which may be saturated or unsaturated(e.g. partially unsaturated, fully unsaturated). Thus, the term “alkyl”includes the sub-classes alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, etc., discussedbelow.

Examples of saturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to,methyl (C₁), ethyl (C₂), propyl (C₃), butyl (C₄), pentyl (C₅), hexyl(C₆) and heptyl (C₇).

Examples of saturated linear alkyl groups include, but are not limitedto, methyl (C₁), ethyl (C₂), n-propyl (C₃), n-butyl (C₄), n-pentyl(amyl) (C₅), n-hexyl (C₆) and n-heptyl (C₇).

Examples of saturated branched alkyl groups include iso-propyl (C₃),iso-butyl (C₄), sec-butyl (C₄), tert-butyl (C₄), iso-pentyl (C₅), andneo-pentyl (C₅).

C₂₋₁₂ Alkenyl: The term “C₂₋₁₂ alkenyl” as used herein, pertains to analkyl group having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

Examples of unsaturated alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to,ethenyl (vinyl, —CH═CH₂), 1-propenyl (—CH═CH—CH₃), 2-propenyl (allyl,—CH—CH═CH₂), isopropenyl (1-methylvinyl, —C(CH₃)═CH₂), butenyl (C₄),pentenyl (C₅), and hexenyl (C₆).

C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl: The term “C₂₋₁₂ alkynyl” as used herein, pertains to analkyl group having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds.

Examples of unsaturated alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to,ethynyl (—C≡CH) and 2-propynyl (propargyl, —CH₂—C≡CH).

C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl: The term “C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl” as used herein, pertainsto an alkyl group which is also a cyclyl group; that is, a monovalentmoiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from an alicyclic ring atomof a cyclic hydrocarbon (carbocyclic) compound, which moiety has from 3to 7 carbon atoms, including from 3 to 7 ring atoms.

Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, thosederived from:

-   -   saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon compounds:

-   cyclopropane (C₃), cyclobutane (C₄), cyclopentane (C₅), cyclohexane    (C₆), cycloheptane (C₇), methylcyclopropane (C₄),    dimethylcyclopropane (C₅), methylcyclobutane (C₅),    dimethylcyclobutane (C₆), methylcyclopentane (C₆),    dimethylcyclopentane (C₇) and methylcyclohexane (C₇);    -   unsaturated monocyclic hydrocarbon compounds:

-   cyclopropene (C₃), cyclobutene (C₄), cyclopentene (C₅), cyclohexene    (C₆), methylcyclopropene (C₄), dimethylcyclopropene (C₅),    methylcyclobutene (C₅), dimethylcyclobutene (C₆), methylcyclopentene    (C₆), dimethylcyclopentene (C₇) and methylcyclohexene (C₇); and    -   saturated polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds:

-   norcarane (C₇), norpinane (C₇), norbornane (C₇).

C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl: The term “C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl” as used herein,pertains to a monovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atomfrom a ring atom of a heterocyclic compound, which moiety has from 3 to20 ring atoms, of which from 1 to 10 are ring heteroatoms. Preferably,each ring has from 3 to 7 ring atoms, of which from 1 to 4 are ringheteroatoms.

In this context, the prefixes (e.g. C₃₋₂₀, C₃₋₇, C₅₋₆, etc.) denote thenumber of ring atoms, or range of number of ring atoms, whether carbonatoms or heteroatoms. For example, the term “C₅₋₆heterocyclyl”, as usedherein, pertains to a heterocyclyl group having 5 or 6 ring atoms.

Examples of monocyclic heterocyclyl groups include, but are not limitedto, those derived from:

N₁: aziridine (C₃), azetidine (C₄), pyrrolidine (tetrahydropyrrole)(C₅), pyrroline (e.g., 3-pyrroline, 2,5-dihydropyrrole) (C₅), 2H-pyrroleor 3H-pyrrole (isopyrrole, isoazole) (C₅), piperidine (C₆),dihydropyridine (C₆), tetrahydropyridine (C₆), azepine (C₇);

O₁: oxirane (C₃), oxetane (C₄), oxolane (tetrahydrofuran) (C₅), oxole(dihydrofuran) (C₅), oxane (tetrahydropyran) (C₆), dihydropyran (C₆),pyran (C₆), oxepin (C₇);

S₁: thiirane (C₃), thietane (C₄), thiolane (tetrahydrothiophene) (C₅),thiane (tetrahydrothiopyran) (C₆), thiepane (C₇);

O₂: dioxolane (C₅), dioxane (C₆), and dioxepane (C₇);

O₃: trioxane (C₆);

N₂: imidazolidine (C₅), pyrazolidine (diazolidine) (C₅), imidazoline(C₅), pyrazoline (dihydropyrazole) (C₅), piperazine (C₆);

N₁O₁: tetrahydrooxazole (C₅), dihydrooxazole (C₅), tetrahydroisoxazole(C₅), dihydroisoxazole (C₅), morpholine (C₆), tetrahydrooxazine (C₆),dihydrooxazine (C₆), oxazine (C₆);

N₁S₁: thiazoline (C₅), thiazolidine (C₅), thiomorpholine (C₆);

N₂O₁: oxadiazine (C₆);

O₁S₁: oxathiole (C₅) and oxathiane (thioxane) (C₆); and,

N₁O₁S₁: oxathiazine (C₆).

Examples of substituted monocyclic heterocyclyl groups include thosederived from saccharides, in cyclic form, for example, furanoses (C₅),such as arabinofuranose, lyxofuranose, ribofuranose, and xylofuranse,and pyranoses (C₆), such as allopyranose, altropyranose, glucopyranose,mannopyranose, gulopyranose, idopyranose, galactopyranose, andtalopyranose.

C₅₋₂₀ aryl: The term “C₅₋₂₀ aryl”, as used herein, pertains to amonovalent moiety obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from an aromaticring atom of an aromatic compound, which moiety has from 3 to 20 ringatoms. Preferably, each ring has from 5 to 7 ring atoms.

In this context, the prefixes (e.g. C₃₋₂₀, C₅₋₇, C₅₋₆, etc.) denote thenumber of ring atoms, or range of number of ring atoms, whether carbonatoms or heteroatoms. For example, the term “C₅₋₆ aryl” as used herein,pertains to an aryl group having 5 or 6 ring atoms.

The ring atoms may be all carbon atoms, as in “carboaryl groups”.

Examples of carboaryl groups include, but are not limited to, thosederived from benzene (i.e. phenyl) (C₆), naphthalene (C₁₀), azulene(C₁₀), anthracene (C₁₄), phenanthrene (C₁₄), naphthacene (C₁₈), andpyrene (C₁₆).

Examples of aryl groups which comprise fused rings, at least one ofwhich is an aromatic ring, include, but are not limited to, groupsderived from indane (e.g. 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene) (C₉), indene (C₉),isoindene (C₉), tetraline (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (C₁₀),acenaphthene (C₁₂), fluorene (C₁₃), phenalene (C₁₃), acephenanthrene(C₁₅), and aceanthrene (C₁₅).

Alternatively, the ring atoms may include one or more heteroatoms, as in“heteroaryl groups”. Examples of monocyclic heteroaryl groups include,but are not limited to, those derived from:

N₁: pyrrole (azole) (C₅), pyridine (azine) (C₆);

O₁: furan (oxole) (C₅);

S₁: thiophene (thiole) (C₅);

N₁O₁: oxazole (C₅), isoxazole (C₅), isoxazine (C₆);

N₂O₁: oxadiazole (furazan) (C₅);

N₃O₁: oxatriazole (C₅);

N₁S₁: thiazole (C₅), isothiazole (C₅);

N₂: imidazole (1,3-diazole) (C₅), pyrazole (1,2-diazole) (C₅),pyridazine (1,2-diazine) (C₆), pyrimidine (1,3-diazine) (C₆) (e.g.,cytosine, thymine, uracil), pyrazine (1,4-diazine) (C₆);

N₃: triazole (C₅), triazine (C₆); and,

N₄: tetrazole (C₅).

Examples of heteroaryl which comprise fused rings, include, but are notlimited to:

-   -   C₉ (with 2 fused rings) derived from benzofuran (O₁),        isobenzofuran (O₁), indole (N₁), isoindole (N₁), indolizine        (N₁), indoline (N₁), isoindoline (N₁), purine (N₄) (e.g.,        adenine, guanine), benzimidazole (N₂), indazole (N₂),        benzoxazole (N₁O₁), benzisoxazole (N₁O₁), benzodioxole (O₂),        benzofurazan (N₂O₁), benzotriazole (N₃), benzothiofuran (S₁),        benzothiazole (N₁S₁), benzothiadiazole (N₂S);    -   C₁₀ (with 2 fused rings) derived from chromene (O₁), isochromene        (O₁), chroman (O₁), isochroman (O₁), benzodioxan (O₂), quinoline        (N₁), isoquinoline (N₁), quinolizine (N₁), benzoxazine (N₁O₁),        benzodiazine (N₂), pyridopyridine (N₂), quinoxaline (N₂),        quinazoline (N2), cinnoline (N₂), phthalazine (N₂),        naphthyridine (N₂), pteridine (N₄);    -   C₁₁ (with 2 fused rings) derived from benzodiazepine (N₂);    -   C₁₃ (with 3 fused rings) derived from carbazole (N₁),        dibenzofuran (O₁), dibenzothiophene (S₁), carboline (N₂),        perimidine (N₂), pyridoindole (N₂); and,    -   C₁₄ (with 3 fused rings) derived from acridine (N₁), xanthene        (O₁), thioxanthene (S₁), oxanthrene (O₂), phenoxathiin (O₁S₁),        phenazine (N₂), phenoxazine (N₁O₁), phenothiazine (N₁S₁),        thianthrene (S₂), phenanthridine (N₁), phenanthroline (N₂),        phenazine (N₂).

The above groups, whether alone or part of another substituent, maythemselves optionally be substituted with one or more groups selectedfrom themselves and the additional substituents listed below.

Halo: —F, —Cl, —Br, and —I.

Hydroxy: —OH.

Ether: —OR, wherein R is an ether substituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkylgroup (also referred to as a C₁₋₇ alkoxy group, discussed below), aC₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group (also referred to as a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyloxygroup), or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group (also referred to as a C₅₋₂₀ aryloxygroup), preferably a C₁₋₇alkyl group.

Alkoxy: —OR, wherein R is an alkyl group, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkylgroup. Examples of C₁₋₇ alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to,—OMe (methoxy), —OEt (ethoxy), —O(nPr) (n-propoxy), —O(iPr)(isopropoxy), —O(nBu) (n-butoxy), —O(sBu) (sec-butoxy), —O(iBu)(isobutoxy), and —O(tBu) (tert-butoxy).

Acetal: —CH(OR¹)(OR²), wherein R¹ and R² are independently acetalsubstituents, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or, in thecase of a “cyclic” acetal group, R¹ and R², taken together with the twooxygen atoms to which they are attached, and the carbon atoms to whichthey are attached, form a heterocyclic ring having from 4 to 8 ringatoms. Examples of acetal groups include, but are not limited to,—CH(OMe)₂, —CH(OEt)₂, and —CH(OMe)(OEt).

Hemiacetal: —CH(OH)(OR¹), wherein R¹ is a hemiacetal substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of hemiacetal groupsinclude, but are not limited to, —CH(OH)(OMe) and —CH(OH)(OEt).

Ketal: —CR(OR¹)(OR²), where R¹ and R² are as defined for acetals, and Ris a ketal substituent other than hydrogen, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkylgroup, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably aC₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples ketal groups include, but are not limited to,—C(Me)(OMe)₂, —C(Me)(OEt)₂, —C(Me)(OMe)(OEt), —C(Et)(OMe)₂,—C(Et)(OEt)₂, and —C(Et)(OMe)(OEt).

Hemiketal: —CR(OH)(OR¹), where R¹ is as defined for hemiacetals, and Ris a hemiketal substituent other than hydrogen, for example, a C₁₋₇alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group,preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of hemiacetal groups include,but are not limited to, —C(Me)(OH)(OMe), —C(Et)(OH)(OMe),—C(Me)(OH)(OEt), and —C(Et)(OH)(OEt).

Oxo (keto, -one): ═O.

Thione (thioketone): ═S.

Imino (imine): ═NR, wherein R is an imino substituent, for example,hydrogen, C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably hydrogen or a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of estergroups include, but are not limited to, ═NH, ═NMe, ═NEt, and ═NPh.

Formyl (carbaldehyde, carboxaldehyde): —C(═O)H.

Acyl (keto): —C(═O)R, wherein R is an acyl substituent, for example, aC₁₋₇ alkyl group (also referred to as C₁₋₇alkylacyl or C₁₋₇alkanoyl), aC₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group (also referred to as C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylacyl),or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group (also referred to as C₅₋₂₀ arylacyl), preferably aC₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of acyl groups include, but are not limitedto, —C(═O)CH₃ (acetyl), —C(═O)CH₂CH₃ (propionyl), —C(═O)C(CH₃)₃(t-butyryl), and —C(═O)Ph (benzoyl, phenone).

Carboxy (carboxylic acid): —C(═O)OH.

Thiocarboxy (thiocarboxylic acid): —C(═S)SH.

Thiolocarboxy (thiolocarboxylic acid): —C(═O)SH.

Thionocarboxy (thionocarboxylic acid): —C(═S)OH.

Imidic acid: —C(═NH)OH.

Hydroxamic acid: —C(═NOH)OH.

Ester (carboxylate, carboxylic acid ester, oxycarbonyl): —C(═O)OR,wherein R is an ester substituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, aC₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkylgroup. Examples of ester groups include, but are not limited to,—C(═O)OCH₃, —C(═O)OCH₂CH₃, —C(═O)OC(CH₃)₃, and —C(═O)OPh.

Acyloxy (reverse ester): —OC(═O)R, wherein R is an acyloxy substituent,for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of acyloxy groupsinclude, but are not limited to, —OC(═O)CH₃ (acetoxy), —OC(═O)CH₂CH₃,—OC(═O)C(CH₃)₃, —OC(═O)Ph, and —OC(═O)CH₂Ph.

Oxycarboyloxy: —OC(═O)OR, wherein R is an ester substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of ester groups include,but are not limited to, —OC(═O)OCH₃, —OC(═O)OCH₂CH₃, —OC(═O)OC(CH₃)₃,and —OC(═O)OPh.

Amino: —NR¹R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently amino substituents,for example, hydrogen, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group (also referred to as C₁₋₇alkylamino or di-C₁₋₇ alkylamino), a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or aC₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably H or a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or, in the case ofa “cyclic” amino group, R¹ and R², taken together with the nitrogen atomto which they are attached, form a heterocyclic ring having from 4 to 8ring atoms. Amino groups may be primary (—NH₂), secondary (—NHR¹), ortertiary (—NHR¹R²), and in cationic form, may be quaternary (—⁺NR¹R²R³).Examples of amino groups include, but are not limited to, —NH₂, —NHCH₃,—NHC(CH₃)₂, —N(CH₃)₂, —N(CH₂CH₃)₂, and —NHPh. Examples of cyclic aminogroups include, but are not limited to, aziridino, azetidino,pyrrolidino, piperidino, piperazino, morpholino, and thiomorpholino.

Amido (carbamoyl, carbamyl, aminocarbonyl, carboxamide): —C(═O)NR¹R²,wherein R¹ and R² are independently amino substituents, as defined foramino groups. Examples of amido groups include, but are not limited to,—C(═O)NH₂, —C(═O)NHCH₃, —C(═O)N(CH₃)₂, —C(═O)NHCH₂CH₃, and—C(═O)N(CH₂CH₃)₂, as well as amido groups in which R¹ and R², togetherwith the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a heterocyclicstructure as in, for example, piperidinocarbonyl, morpholinocarbonyl,thiomorpholinocarbonyl, and piperazinocarbonyl.

Thioamido (thiocarbamyl): —C(═S)NR¹R², wherein R¹ and R² areindependently amino substituents, as defined for amino groups. Examplesof amido groups include, but are not limited to, —C(═S)NH₂, —C(═S)NHCH₃,—C(═S)N(CH₃)₂, and —C(═S)NHCH₂CH₃.

Acylamido (acylamino): —NR¹C(═O)R², wherein R¹ is an amide substituent,for example, hydrogen, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group,or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably hydrogen or a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, and R²is an acyl substituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀aryl group, preferably hydrogen or a C₁₋₇alkyl group. Examples of acylamide groups include, but are not limitedto, —NHC(═O)CH₃, —NHC(═O)CH₂CH₃, and —NHC(═O)Ph. R¹ and R² may togetherform a cyclic structure, as in, for example, succinimidyl, maleimidyl,and phthalimidyl:

Aminocarbonyloxy: —OC(═O)NR¹R², wherein R¹ and R² are independentlyamino substituents, as defined for amino groups. Examples ofaminocarbonyloxy groups include, but are not limited to, —OC(═O)NH₂,—OC(═O)NHMe, —OC(═O)NMe₂, and —OC(═O)NEt₂.

Ureido: —N(R¹)CONR²R³ wherein R² and R³ are independently aminosubstituents, as defined for amino groups, and R¹ is a ureidosubstituent, for example, hydrogen, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably hydrogen or a C₁₋₇alkyl group. Examples of ureido groups include, but are not limited to,—NHCONH₂, —NHCONHMe, —NHCONHEt, —NHCONMe₂, —NHCONEt₂, —NMeCONH₂,—NMeCONHMe, —NMeCONHEt, —NMeCONMe₂, and —NMeCONEt₂.

Guanidino: —NH—C(═NH)NH₂.

Tetrazolyl: a five membered aromatic ring having four nitrogen atoms andone carbon atom,

Imino: ═NR, wherein R is an imino substituent, for example, for example,hydrogen, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀aryl group, preferably H or a C₁₋₇alkyl group. Examples of imino groupsinclude, but are not limited to, ═NH, ═NMe, and ═NEt.

Amidine (amidino): —C(═NR)NR₂, wherein each R is an amidine substituent,for example, hydrogen, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group,or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably H or a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples ofamidine groups include, but are not limited to, —C(═NH)NH₂, —C(═NH)NMe₂,and —C(═NMe)NMe₂.

Nitro: —NO₂.

Nitroso: —NO.

Azido: —N₃.

Cyano (nitrile, carbonitrile): —CN.

Isocyano: —NC.

Cyanato: —OCN.

Isocyanato: —NCO.

Thiocyano (thiocyanato): —SCN.

Isothiocyano (isothiocyanato): —NCS.

Sulfhydryl (thiol, mercapto): —SH.

Thioether (sulfide): —SR, wherein R is a thioether substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group (also referred to as a C₁₋₇alkylthio group),a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇alkyl group. Examples of C₁₋₇ alkylthio groups include, but are notlimited to, —SCH₃ and —SCH₂CH₃.

Disulfide: —SS—R, wherein R is a disulfide substituent, for example, aC₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group,preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group (also referred to herein as C₁₋₇ alkyldisulfide). Examples of C₁₋₇ alkyl disulfide groups include, but are notlimited to, —SSCH₃ and —SSCH₂CH₃.

Sulfine (sulfinyl, sulfoxide): —S(═O)R, wherein R is a sulfinesubstituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples ofsulfine groups include, but are not limited to, —S(═O)CH₃ and—S(═O)CH₂CH₃.

Sulfone (sulfonyl): —S(═O)₂R, wherein R is a sulfone substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, including, for example, afluorinated or perfluorinated C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of sulfonegroups include, but are not limited to, —S(═O)₂CH₃ (methanesulfonyl,mesyl), —S(═O)₂CF₃ (triflyl), —S(═O)₂CH₂CH₃ (esyl), —S(═O)₂C₄F₉(nonaflyl), —S(═O)₂CH₂CF₃ (tresyl), —S(═O)₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ (tauryl), —S(═O)₂Ph(phenylsulfonyl, besyl), 4-methylphenylsulfonyl (tosyl),4-chlorophenylsulfonyl (closyl), 4-bromophenylsulfonyl (brosyl),4-nitrophenyl (nosyl), 2-naphthalenesulfonate (napsyl), and5-dimethylamino-naphthalen-1-ylsulfonate (dansyl).

Sulfinic acid (sulfino): —S(═O)OH, —SO₂H.

Sulfonic acid (sulfo): —S(═O)₂OH, —SO₃H.

Sulfinate (sulfinic acid ester): —S(═O)OR; wherein R is a sulfinatesubstituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples ofsulfinate groups include, but are not limited to, —S(═O)OCH₃(methoxysulfinyl; methyl sulfinate) and —S(═O)OCH₂CH₃ (ethoxysulfinyl;ethyl sulfinate).

Sulfonate (sulfonic acid ester): —S(═O)₂OR, wherein R is a sulfonatesubstituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples ofsulfonate groups include, but are not limited to, —S(═O)₂OCH₃(methoxysulfonyl; methyl sulfonate) and —S(═O)₂OCH₂CH₃ (ethoxysulfonyl;ethyl sulfonate).

Sulfinyloxy: —OS(═O)R, wherein R is a sulfinyloxy substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group.

Examples of sulfinyloxy groups include, but are not limited to,—OS(═O)CH₃ and —OS(═O)CH₂CH₃.

Sulfonyloxy: —OS(═O)₂R, wherein R is a sulfonyloxy substituent, forexample, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group.

Examples of sulfonyloxy groups include, but are not limited to,—OS(═O)₂CH₃ (mesylate) and —OS(═O)₂CH₂CH₃ (esylate).

Sulfate: —OS(═O)₂OR; wherein R is a sulfate substituent, for example, aC₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group,preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of sulfate groups include, butare not limited to, —OS(═O)₂OCH₃ and —SO(═O)₂OCH₂CH₃.

Sulfamyl (sulfamoyl; sulfinic acid amide; sulfinamide): —S(═O)NR¹R²,wherein R¹ and R² are independently amino substituents, as defined foramino groups. Examples of sulfamyl groups include, but are not limitedto, —S(═O)NH₂, —S(═O)NH(CH₃), —S(═O)N(CH₃)₂, —S(═O)NH(CH₂CH₃),—S(═O)N(CH₂CH₃)₂, and —S(═O)NHPh.

Sulfonamido (sulfinamoyl; sulfonic acid amide; sulfonamide):—S(═O)₂NR¹R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently amino substituents, asdefined for amino groups. Examples of sulfonamido groups include, butare not limited to, —S(═O)₂NH₂, —S(═O)₂NH(CH₃), —S(═O)₂N(CH₃)₂,—S(═O)₂NH(CH₂CH₃), —S(═O)₂N(CH₂CH₃)₂, and —S(═O)₂NHPh.

Sulfamino: —NR¹S(═O)₂OH, wherein R¹ is an amino substituent, as definedfor amino groups. Examples of sulfamino groups include, but are notlimited to, —NHS(═O)₂OH and —N(CH₃)S(═O)₂OH.

Sulfonamino: —NR¹S(═O)₂R, wherein R¹ is an amino substituent, as definedfor amino groups, and R is a sulfonamino substituent, for example, aC₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group,preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of sulfonamino groups include,but are not limited to, —NHS(═O)₂CH₃ and —N(CH₃)S(═O)₂C₆H₅.

Sulfinamino: —NR¹S(═O)R, wherein R¹ is an amino substituent, as definedfor amino groups, and R is a sulfinamino substituent, for example, aC₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group,preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group. Examples of sulfinamino groups include,but are not limited to, —NHS(═O)CH₃ and —N(CH₃)S(═O)C₆H₅.

Phosphino (phosphine): —PR₂, wherein R is a phosphino substituent, forexample, —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀aryl group, preferably —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group.Examples of phosphino groups include, but are not limited to, —PH₂,—P(CH₃)₂, —P(CH₂CH₃)₂, —P(t-Bu)₂, and —P(Ph)₂.

Phospho: —P(═O)₂.

Phosphinyl (phosphine oxide): —P(═O)R₂, wherein R is a phosphinylsubstituent, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably a C₁₋₇ alkyl group or a C₅₋₂₀aryl group. Examples of phosphinyl groups include, but are not limitedto, —P(═O)(CH₃)₂, —P(═O)(CH₂CH₃)₂, —P(═O)(t-Bu)₂, and —P(═O)(Ph)₂.

Phosphonic acid (phosphono): —P(═O)(OH)₂.

Phosphonate (phosphono ester): —P(═O)(OR)₂, where R is a phosphonatesubstituent, for example, —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or aC₅₋₂₀ aryl group. Examples of phosphonate groups include, but are notlimited to, —P(═O)(OCH₃)₂, —P(═O)(OCH₂CH₃)₂, —P(═O)(t-Bu)₂, and—P(═O)(OPh)₂.

Phosphoric acid (phosphonooxy): —OP(═O)(OH)₂.

Phosphate (phosphonooxy ester): —OP(═O)(OR)₂, where R is a phosphatesubstituent, for example, —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclylgroup, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or aC₅₋₂₀ aryl group. Examples of phosphate groups include, but are notlimited to, —OP(═O)(OCH₃)₂, —OP(═O)(OCH₂CH₃)₂, —OP(═O)(t-Bu)₂, and—OP(═O)(OPh)₂.

Phosphorous acid: —OP(OH)₂.

Phosphite: —OP(OR)₂, where R is a phosphite substituent, for example,—H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ arylgroup, preferably —H, a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group.Examples of phosphite groups include, but are not limited to,—OP(OCH₃)₂, —OP(OCH₂CH₃)₂, —OP(O-t-Bu)₂, and —OP(OPh)₂.

Phosphoramidite: —OP(OR¹)—NR² ₂, where R¹ and R² are phosphoramiditesubstituents, for example, —H, a (optionally substituted) C₁₋₇ alkylgroup, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably —H,a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group. Examples of phosphoramiditegroups include, but are not limited to, —OP(OCH₂CH₃)—N(CH₃)₂,—OP(OCH₂CH₃)—N(i-Pr)₂, and —OP(OCH₂CH₂CN)—N(i-Pr)₂.

Phosphoramidate: —OP(═O)(OR¹)—NR² ₂, where R¹ and R² are phosphoramidatesubstituents, for example, —H, a (optionally substituted) C₁₋₇ alkylgroup, a C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group, preferably —H,a C₁₋₇ alkyl group, or a C₅₋₂₀ aryl group. Examples of phosphoramidategroups include, but are not limited to, —OP(═O)(OCH₂CH₃)—N(CH₃)₂,—OP(═O)(OCH₂CH₃)—N(i-Pr)₂, and —OP(═O)(OCH₂CH₂CN)—N(i-Pr)₂.

Alkylene

C₃₋₁₂ alkylene: The term “C₃₋₁₂ alkylene”, as used herein, pertains to abidentate moiety obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms, either bothfrom the same carbon atom, or one from each of two different carbonatoms, of a hydrocarbon compound having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms(unless otherwise specified), which may be aliphatic or alicyclic, andwhich may be saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated.Thus, the term “alkylene” includes the sub-classes alkenylene,alkynylene, cycloalkylene, etc., discussed below.

Examples of linear saturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups include, but are notlimited to, —(CH₂)_(n)— where n is an integer from 3 to 12, for example,—CH₂CH₂CH₂— (propylene), —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂— (butylene), —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—(pentylene) and —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH—₂CH₂CH₂CH₂— (heptylene).

Examples of branched saturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups include, but arenot limited to, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)—, —CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—, and—CH₂CH(CH₂CH₃)CH₂—.

Examples of linear partially unsaturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups (C₃₋₁₂alkenylene, and alkynylene groups) include, but are not limited to,—CH═CH—CH₂—, —CH₂—CH═CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—,—CH═CH—CH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—,—CH═CH—CH₂—CH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH₂—CH₂—CH═CH—, and —CH₂—C≡C—CH₂—.

Examples of branched partially unsaturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups (C₃₋₁₂alkenylene and alkynylene groups) include, but are not limited to,—C(CH₃)═CH—, —C(CH₃)═CH—CH₂—, —CH═CH—CH(CH₃)— and —C≡C—CH(CH₃)—.

Examples of alicyclic saturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups (C₃₋₁₂cycloalkylenes) include, but are not limited to, cyclopentylene (e.g.cyclopent-1,3-ylene), and cyclohexylene (e.g. cyclohex-1,4-ylene).

Examples of alicyclic partially unsaturated C₃₋₁₂ alkylene groups (C₃₋₁₂cycloalkylenes) include, but are not limited to, cyclopentenylene (e.g.4-cyclopenten-1,3-ylene), cyclohexenylene (e.g. 2-cyclohexen-1,4-ylene;3-cyclohexen-1,2-ylene; 2,5-cyclohexadien-1,4-ylene).

Oxygen protecting group: the term “oxygen protecting group” refers to amoiety which masks a hydroxy group, and these are well known in the art.A large number of suitable groups are described on pages 23 to 200 ofGreene, T. W. and Wuts, G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis,3^(rd) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999, which is incorporatedherein by reference. Classes of particular interest include silyl ethers(e.g. TMS, TBDMS), substituted methyl ethers (e.g. THP) and esters (e.g.acetate).

Carbamate nitrogen protecting group: the term “carbamate nitrogenprotecting group” pertains to a moiety which masks the nitrogen in theimine bond, and these are well known in the art. These groups have thefollowing structure:

wherein R′¹⁰ is R as defined above. A large number of suitable groupsare described on pages 503 to 549 of Greene, T. W. and Wuts, G. M.,Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, John Wiley &Sons, Inc., 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Hemi-aminal nitrogen protecting group: the term “hemi-aminal nitrogenprotecting group” pertains to a group having the following structure:

wherein R′¹⁰ is R as defined above. A large number of suitable groupsare described on pages 633 to 647 as amide protecting groups of Greene,T. W. and Wuts, G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd)Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999, which is incorporated herein byreference.Methods of Treatment

The compounds of the present invention may be used in a method oftherapy. Also provided is a method of treatment, comprisingadministering to a subject in need of treatment atherapeutically-effective amount of a compound of formula I. The term“therapeutically effective amount” is an amount sufficient to showbenefit to a patient. Such benefit may be at least amelioration of atleast one symptom. The actual amount administered, and rate andtime-course of administration, will depend on the nature and severity ofwhat is being treated. Prescription of treatment, e.g. decisions ondosage, is within the responsibility of general practitioners and othermedical doctors.

A compound may be administered alone or in combination with othertreatments, either simultaneously or sequentially dependent upon thecondition to be treated. Examples of treatments and therapies include,but are not limited to, chemotherapy (the administration of activeagents, including, e.g. drugs; surgery; and radiation therapy.

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention, and foruse in accordance with the present invention, may comprise, in additionto the active ingredient, i.e. a compound of formula I, apharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier, buffer, stabiliser orother materials well known to those skilled in the art. Such materialsshould be non-toxic and should not interfere with the efficacy of theactive ingredient. The precise nature of the carrier or other materialwill depend on the route of administration, which may be oral, or byinjection, e.g. cutaneous, subcutaneous, or intravenous.

Pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration may be in tablet,capsule, powder or liquid form. A tablet may comprise a solid carrier oran adjuvant. Liquid pharmaceutical compositions generally comprise aliquid carrier such as water, petroleum, animal or vegetable oils,mineral oil or synthetic oil. Physiological saline solution, dextrose orother saccharide solution or glycols such as ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol or polyethylene glycol may be included. A capsule may comprise asolid carrier such a gelatin.

For intravenous, cutaneous or subcutaneous injection, or injection atthe site of affliction, the active ingredient will be in the form of aparenterally acceptable aqueous solution which is pyrogen-free and hassuitable pH, isotonicity and stability. Those of relevant skill in theart are well able to prepare suitable solutions using, for example,isotonic vehicles such as Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer's Injection,Lactated Ringer's Injection. Preservatives, stabilisers, buffers,antioxidants and/or other additives may be included, as required.

Includes Other Forms

Unless otherwise specified, included in the above are the well knownionic, salt, solvate, and protected forms of these substituents. Forexample, a reference to carboxylic acid

(—COOH) also includes the anionic (carboxylate) form (—COO⁻), a salt orsolvate thereof, as well as conventional protected forms. Similarly, areference to an amino group includes the protonated form (—N⁺HR¹R²), asalt or solvate of the amino group, for example, a hydrochloride salt,as well as conventional protected forms of an amino group. Similarly, areference to a hydroxyl group also includes the anionic form (—O⁻), asalt or solvate thereof, as well as conventional protected forms.

Salts

It may be convenient or desirable to prepare, purify, and/or handle acorresponding salt of the active compound, for example, apharmaceutically-acceptable salt. Examples of pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts are discussed in Berge, et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 66,1-19 (1977).

For example, if the compound is anionic, or has a functional group whichmay be anionic (e.g. —COOH may be —COO⁻), then a salt may be formed witha suitable cation. Examples of suitable inorganic cations include, butare not limited to, alkali metal ions such as Na⁺ and K⁺, alkaline earthcations such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, and other cations such as Al⁺³. Examplesof suitable organic cations include, but are not limited to, ammoniumion (i.e. NH₄ ⁺) and substituted ammonium ions (e.g. NH₃R⁺, NH₂R₂ ⁺,NHR₃ ⁺, NR₄ ⁺). Examples of some suitable substituted ammonium ions arethose derived from: ethylamine, diethylamine, dicyclohexylamine,triethylamine, butylamine, ethylenediamine, ethanolamine,diethanolamine, piperazine, benzylamine, phenylbenzylamine, choline,meglumine, and tromethamine, as well as amino acids, such as lysine andarginine. An example of a common quaternary ammonium ion is N(CH₃)₄ ⁺.

If the compound is cationic, or has a functional group which may becationic (e.g. —NH₂ may be —NH₃ ⁺), then a salt may be formed with asuitable anion. Examples of suitable inorganic anions include, but arenot limited to, those derived from the following inorganic acids:hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, sulfurous, nitric,nitrous, phosphoric, and phosphorous.

Examples of suitable organic anions include, but are not limited to,those derived from the following organic acids: 2-acetyoxybenzoic,acetic, ascorbic, aspartic, benzoic, camphorsulfonic, cinnamic, citric,edetic, ethanedisulfonic, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, glucheptonic,gluconic, glutamic, glycolic, hydroxymaleic, hydroxynaphthalenecarboxylic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, lauric, maleic, malic,methanesulfonic, mucic, oleic, oxalic, palmitic, pamoic, pantothenic,phenylacetic, phenylsulfonic, propionic, pyruvic, salicylic, stearic,succinic, sulfanilic, tartaric, toluenesulfonic, and valeric. Examplesof suitable polymeric organic anions include, but are not limited to,those derived from the following polymeric acids: tannic acid,carboxymethyl cellulose.

Solvates

It may be convenient or desirable to prepare, purify, and/or handle acorresponding solvate of the active compound. The term “solvate” is usedherein in the conventional sense to refer to a complex of solute (e.g.active compound, salt of active compound) and solvent. If the solvent iswater, the solvate may be conveniently referred to as a hydrate, forexample, a mono-hydrate, a di-hydrate, a tri-hydrate, etc.

Carbinolamines

The invention includes compounds where a solvent adds across the iminebond of the PBD moiety, which is illustrated below where the solvent iswater or an alcohol (R^(A)OH, where R^(A) is C₁₋₄ alkyl):

These forms can be called the carbinolamine and carbinolamine etherforms of the PBD. The balance of these equilibria depend on theconditions in which the compounds are found, as well as the nature ofthe moiety itself.

These particular compounds may be isolated in solid form, for example,by lyophilisation.

Isomers

Certain compounds may exist in one or more particular geometric,optical, enantiomeric, diasteriomeric, epimeric, atropic,stereoisomeric, tautomeric, conformational, or anomeric forms, includingbut not limited to, cis- and trans-forms; E- and Z-forms; c-, t-, andr-forms; endo- and exo-forms; R-, S-, and meso-forms; D- and L-forms; d-and I-forms; (+) and (−) forms; keto-, enol-, and enolate-forms; syn-and anti-forms; synclinal- and anticlinal-forms; α- and β-forms; axialand equatorial forms; boat-, chair-, twist-, envelope-, andhalfchair-forms; and combinations thereof, hereinafter collectivelyreferred to as “isomers” (or “isomeric forms”).

Note that, except as discussed below for tautomeric forms, specificallyexcluded from the term “isomers”, as used herein, are structural (orconstitutional) isomers (i.e. isomers which differ in the connectionsbetween atoms rather than merely by the position of atoms in space). Forexample, a reference to a methoxy group, —OCH₃, is not to be construedas a reference to its structural isomer, a hydroxymethyl group, —CH₂OH.Similarly, a reference to ortho-chlorophenyl is not to be construed as areference to its structural isomer, meta-chlorophenyl. However, areference to a class of structures may well include structurallyisomeric forms falling within that class (e.g. C₁₋₇ alkyl includesn-propyl and iso-propyl; butyl includes n-, iso-, sec-, and tert-butyl;methoxyphenyl includes ortho-, meta-, and para-methoxyphenyl).

The above exclusion does not pertain to tautomeric forms, for example,keto-, enol-, and enolate-forms, as in, for example, the followingtautomeric pairs: keto/enol (illustrated below), imine/enamine,amide/imino alcohol, amidine/amidine, nitroso/oxime,thioketone/enethiol, N-nitroso/hyroxyazo, and nitro/aci-nitro.

Note that specifically included in the term “isomer” are compounds withone or more isotopic substitutions. For example, H may be in anyisotopic form, including ¹H, ²H (D), and ³H (T); C may be in anyisotopic form, including ¹²C, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C; O may be in any isotopicform, including ¹⁶O and ¹⁸O; and the like.

Unless otherwise specified, a reference to a particular compoundincludes all such isomeric forms, including (wholly or partially)racemic and other mixtures thereof. Methods for the preparation (e.g.asymmetric synthesis) and separation (e.g. fractional crystallisationand chromatographic means) of such isomeric forms are either known inthe art or are readily obtained by adapting the methods taught herein,or known methods, in a known manner.

General Synthetic Routes

The synthesis of PBD compounds is extensively discussed in the followingreferences, which discussions are incorporated herein by reference:

-   a) WO 00/12508 (pages 14 to 30);-   b) WO 2005/023814 (pages 3 to 10);-   c) WO 2004/043963 (pages 28 to 29); and-   d) WO 2005/085251 (pages 30 to 39).    Synthesis Route

The compounds of the present invention, where R¹⁰ and R¹¹ form anitrogen-carbon double bond between the nitrogen and carbon atoms towhich they are bound, can be synthesised from a compound of Formula 2:

where R², R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′), R¹², X, X′ and R″ are asdefined for compounds of formula I, Prot^(N) is a nitrogen protectinggroup for synthesis and Prot^(O) is a protected oxygen group forsynthesis or an oxo group, by deprotecting the imine bond by standardmethods.

The compound produced may be in its carbinolamine or carbinolamine etherform depending on the solvents used. For example if Prot^(N) is Allocand Prot^(O) is an oxygen protecting group for synthesis, then thedeprotection is carried using palladium to remove the N10 protectinggroup, followed by the elimination of the oxygen protecting group forsynthesis. If Prot^(N) is Troc and Prot^(O) is an oxygen protectinggroup for synthesis, then the deprotection is carried out using a Cd/Pbcouple to yield the compound of formula (I). If Prot^(N) is SEM, or ananalogous group, and Prot^(O) is an oxo group, then the oxo group can beremoved by reduction, which leads to a protected carbinolamineintermediate, which can then be treated to remove the SEM protectinggroup, followed by the elimination of water. The reduction of thecompound of Formula 2 can be accomplished by, for example, lithiumtetraborohydride, whilst a suitable means for removing the SEMprotecting group is treatment with silica gel.

Compounds of formula 2 can be synthesised from a compound of formula 3a:

where R², R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′), X, X′ and R″ are asdefined for compounds of formula 2, by coupling an organometallicderivative comprising R¹², such as an organoboron derivative. Theorganoboron derivative may be a boronate or boronic acid.

Compounds of formula 2 can be synthesised from a compound of formula 3b:

where R¹², R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′), X, X′ and R″ are asdefined for compounds of formula 2, by coupling an organometallicderivative comprising R², such as an organoboron derivative. Theorganoboron derivative may be a boronate or boronic acid.

Compounds of formulae 3a and 3b can be synthesised from a compound offormula 4:

where R², R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′), X, X′ and R″ are asdefined for compounds of formula 2, by coupling about a singleequivalent (e.g. 0.9 or 1 to 1.1 or 1.2) of an organometallicderivative, such as an organoboron derivative, comprising R² or R¹².

The couplings described above are usually carried out in the presence ofa palladium catalyst, for example Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(OCOCH₃)₂, PdCl₂,Pd₂(dba)₃. The coupling may be carried out under standard conditions, ormay also be carried out under microwave conditions.

The two coupling steps are usually carried out sequentially. They may becarried out with or without purification between the two steps. If nopurification is carried out, then the two steps may be carried out inthe same reaction vessel. Purification is usually required after thesecond coupling step. Purification of the compound from the undesiredby-products may be carried out by column chromatography or ion-exchangeseparation.

The synthesis of compounds of formula 4 where Prot^(O) is an oxo groupand Prot^(N) is SEM are described in detail in WO 00/12508, which isincorporated herein by reference. In particular, reference is made toscheme 7 on page 24, where the above compound is designated asintermediate P. This method of synthesis is also described in WO2004/043963.

The synthesis of compounds of formula 4 where Prot^(O) is a protectedoxygen group for synthesis are described in WO 2005/085251, whichsynthesis is herein incorporated by reference.

Compounds of formula I where R¹⁰ and R^(10′) are H and R¹¹ and R^(11′)are SO_(z)M, can be synthesised from compounds of formula I where R¹⁰and R¹¹ form a nitrogen-carbon double bond between the nitrogen andcarbon atoms to which they are bound, by the addition of the appropriatebisulphite salt or sulphinate salt, followed by an appropriatepurification step. Further methods are described in GB 2 053 894, whichis herein incorporated by reference.

Nitrogen Protecting Groups for Synthesis

Nitrogen protecting groups for synthesis are well known in the art. Inthe present invention, the protecting groups of particular interest arecarbamate nitrogen protecting groups and hemi-aminal nitrogen protectinggroups.

Carbamate nitrogen protecting groups have the following structure:

wherein R′¹⁰ is R as defined above. A large number of suitable groupsare described on pages 503 to 549 of Greene, T. W. and Wuts, G. M.,Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, John Wiley &Sons, Inc., 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Particularly preferred protecting groups include Troc, Teoc, Fmoc, BOC,Doc, Hoc, TcBOC, 1-Adoc and 2-Adoc.

Other possible groups are nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl (e.g.4-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl) and 2-(phenylsulphonyl)ethoxycarbonyl.

Those protecting groups which can be removed with palladium catalysisare not preferred, e.g. Alloc.

Hemi-aminal nitrogen protecting groups have the following structure:

wherein R′¹⁰ is R as defined above. A large number of suitable groupsare described on pages 633 to 647 as amide protecting groups of Greene,T. W. and Wuts, G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd)Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999, which is incorporated herein byreference. The groups disclosed herein can be applied to compounds ofthe present invention. Such groups include, but are not limited to, SEM,MOM, MTM, MEM, BOM, nitro or methoxy substituted BOM, Cl₃CCH₂OCH₂—.Protected Oxygen Group for Synthesis

Protected oxygen group for synthesis are well known in the art. A largenumber of suitable oxygen protecting groups are described on pages 23 to200 of Greene, T. W. and Wuts, G. M., Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1999, which isincorporated herein by reference.

Classes of particular interest include silyl ethers, methyl ethers,alkyl ethers, benzyl ethers, esters, acetates, benzoates, carbonates,and sulfonates.

Preferred oxygen protecting groups include acetates, TBS and THP.

Further Preferences

The following preferences may apply to all aspects of the invention asdescribed above, or may relate to a single aspect. The preferences maybe combined together in any combination.

In some embodiments, R^(6′), R^(7′), R^(9′), R^(10′), R^(11′) and Y′ arepreferably the same as R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and Y respectively.

Dimer Link

Y and Y′ are preferably O.

R″ is preferably a C₃₋₇ alkylene group with no substituents. Morepreferably R″ is a C₃, C₅ or C₇ alkylene.

R⁶ to R⁹

R⁹ is preferably H.

R⁶ is preferably selected from H, OH, OR, SH, NH₂, nitro and halo, andis more preferably H or halo, and most preferably is H.

R⁷ is preferably selected from H, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂, NHR, NRR′, andhalo, and more preferably independently selected from H, OH and OR,where R is preferably selected from optionally substituted C₁₋₇ alkyl,C₃₋₁₀ heterocyclyl and C₅₋₁₀ aryl groups. R may be more preferably aC₁₋₄ alkyl group, which may or may not be substituted. A substituent ofinterest is a C₅₋₆ aryl group (e.g. phenyl). Particularly preferredsubstituents at the 7-positions are OMe and OCH₂Ph.

These preferences apply to R^(9′), R^(6′) and R^(7′) respectively.

R²

A in R² may be phenyl group or a C₅₋₇ heteroaryl group, for examplefuranyl, thiophenyl and pyridyl. In some embodiments, A is preferablyphenyl. In other embodiments, A is preferably thiophenyl, for example,thiophen-2-yl and thiophen-3-yl.

X is a group selected from the list comprising: OH, SH, CO₂H, COH, N═C═Oand NHR^(N), wherein R^(N) is selected from the group comprising H andC₁₋₄ alkyl. X may preferably be: OH, SH, CO₂H, —N═C═O or NH₂, and maymore preferably be: OH, SH, or NH₂, and most preferably is NH₂.

Q²-X may be on any of the available ring atoms of the C₅₋₇ aryl group,but is preferably on a ring atom that is not adjacent the bond to theremainder of the compound, i.e. it is preferably β or γ to the bond tothe remainder of the compound. Therefore, where the C₅₋₇ aryl group (A)is phenyl, the substituent (Q²-X) is preferably in the meta- orpara-positions, and more preferably is in the para-position.1

In some embodiments, Q¹ is a single bond. In these embodiments, Q² isselected from a single bond and —Z—(CH₂)_(n)—, where Z is selected froma single bond, O, S and NH and is from 1 to 3. In some of theseembodiments, Q² is a single bond. In other embodiments, Q² is—Z—(CH₂)_(n)—. In these embodiments, Z may be O or S and n may be 1 or nmay be 2. In other of these embodiments, Z may be a single bond and nmay be 1.

In other embodiments, Q¹ is —CH═CH—.

In some embodiments, R² may be -A-CH₂—X and -A-X. In these embodiments,X may be OH, SH, CO₂H, COH and NH₂. In particularly preferredembodiments, X may be NH₂.

R¹²

R¹² may be a C₅₋₇ aryl group. A C₅₋₇ aryl group may be a phenyl group ora C₅₋₇ heteroaryl group, for example furanyl, thiophenyl and pyridyl. Insome embodiments, R¹² is preferably phenyl. In other embodiments, R¹² ispreferably thiophenyl, for example, thiophen-2-yl and thiophen-3-yl.

R¹² may be a C₈₋₁₀ aryl, for example a quinolinyl or isoquinolinylgroup. The quinolinyl or isoquinolinyl group may be bound to the PBDcore through any available ring position. For example, the quinolinylmay be quinolin-2-yl, quinolin-3-yl, quinolin-4yl, quinolin-5-yl,quinolin-6-yl, quinolin-7-yl and quinolin-8-yl. Of these quinolin-3-yland quinolin-6-yl may be preferred. The isoquinolinyl may beisoquinolin-1-yl, isoquinolin-3-yl, isoquinolin-4yl, isoquinolin-5-yl,isoquinolin-6-yl, isoquinolin-7-yl and isoquinolin-8-yl. Of theseisoquinolin-3-yl and isoquinolin-6-yl may be preferred.

R¹² may bear any number of substituent groups. It preferably bears from1 to 3 substituent groups, with 1 and 2 being more preferred, and singlysubstituted groups being most preferred. The substituents may be anyposition.

Where R¹² is C₅₋₇ aryl group, a single substituent is preferably on aring atom that is not adjacent the bond to the remainder of thecompound, i.e. it is preferably β or γ to the bond to the remainder ofthe compound. Therefore, where the C₅₋₇ aryl group is phenyl, thesubstituent is preferably in the meta- or para-positions, and morepreferably is in the para-position.

Where R¹² is a C₈₋₁₀ aryl group, for example quinolinyl orisoquinolinyl, it may bear any number of substituents at any position ofthe quinoline or isoquinoline rings. In some embodiments, it bears one,two or three substituents, and these may be on either the proximal anddistal rings or both (if more than one substituent).

R¹² Substituents

If a substituent on R¹² is halo, it is preferably F or Cl, morepreferably Cl.

If a substituent on R¹² is ether, it may in some embodiments be analkoxy group, for example, a C₁₋₇ alkoxy group (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy) orit may in some embodiments be a C₆₋₇ aryloxy group (e.g phenoxy,pyridyloxy, furanyloxy). The alkoxy group may itself be furthersubstituted, for example by an amino group (e.g. dimethylamino).

If a substituent on R¹² is C₁₋₇ alkyl, it may preferably be a C₁₋₄ alkylgroup (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propryl, butyl).

If a substituent on R¹² is C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl, it may in some embodimentsbe C₆ nitrogen containing heterocyclyl group, e.g. morpholino,thiomorpholino, piperidinyl, piperazinyl. These groups may be bound tothe rest of the PBD moiety via the nitrogen atom. These groups may befurther substituted, for example, by C₁₋₄ alkyl groups. If the C₆nitrogen containing heterocyclyl group is piperazinyl, the said furthersubstituent may be on the second nitrogen ring atom.

If a substituent on R¹² is bis-oxy-C₁₋₃ alkylene, this is preferablybis-oxy-methylene or bis-oxy-ethylene.

Particularly preferred substituents for R¹² include methoxy, ethoxy,fluoro, chloro, cyano, bis-oxy-methylene, methyl-piperazinyl, morpholinoand methyl-thiophenyl. Another particularly preferred substituent forR¹² is dimethylaminopropyloxy.

R¹² Groups

Particularly preferred substituted R¹² groups include, but are notlimited to, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxy-phenyl,3-ethoxy-phenyl, 4-fluoro-phenyl, 4-chlorophenyl,3,4-bisoxymethylene-phenyl, 4-methylthiophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl,4-phenoxyphenyl, quinolin-3-yl and quinolin-6-yl, isoquinolin-3-yl andisoquinolin-6-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-furanyl, methoxynaphthyl, and naphthyl.Another possible substituted R¹² group is 4-nitrophenyl.

M and z

It is preferred that M and M′ are monovalent pharmaceutically acceptablecations, and are more preferably Na⁺.

z is preferably 3.

3^(rd) Aspect

The preferences expressed above for the first aspect may apply to thecompounds of this aspect, where appropriate.

When R¹⁰ is carbamate nitrogen protecting group, it may preferably beTeoc, Fmoc and Troc, and may more preferably be Troc.

When R¹¹ is O-Prot^(O), wherein Prot^(O) is an oxygen protecting group,Prot^(O) may preferably be TBS or THP, and may more preferably be TBS.

When R¹⁰ is a hemi-aminal nitrogen protecting group, it may preferablybe MOM, BOM or SEM, and may more preferably be SEM.

EXAMPLES General Experimental Methods

Optical rotations were measured on an ADP 220 polarimeter (BellinghamStanley Ltd.) and concentrations (c) are given in g/100 mL. Meltingpoints were measured using a digital melting point apparatus(Electrothermal). IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum1000 FT IR Spectrometer. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were acquired at 300 Kusing a Bruker Avance NMR spectrometer at 400 and 100 MHz, respectively.Chemical shifts are reported relative to TMS (δ=0.0 ppm), and signalsare designated as s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), dt (doubletriplet), dd (doublet of doublets), ddd (double doublet of doublets) orm (multiplet), with coupling constants given in Hertz (Hz). Massspectroscopy (MS) data were collected using a Waters Micromass ZQinstrument coupled to a Waters 2695 HPLC with a Waters 2996 PDA. WatersMicromass ZQ parameters used were: Capillary (kV), 3.38; Cone (V), 35;Extractor (V), 3.0; Source temperature (° C.), 100; DesolvationTemperature (° C.), 200; Cone flow rate (L/h), 50; De-solvation flowrate (L/h), 250. High-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS) data wererecorded on a Waters Micromass QTOF Global in positive W-mode usingmetal-coated borosilicate glass tips to introduce the samples into theinstrument. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed on silica gelaluminium plates (Merck 60, F₂₅₄), and flash chromatography utilisedsilica gel (Merck 60, 230-400 mesh ASTM). Except for the HOBt(NovaBiochem) and solid-supported reagents (Argonaut), all otherchemicals and solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and were usedas supplied without further purification. Anhydrous solvents wereprepared by distillation under a dry nitrogen atmosphere in the presenceof an appropriate drying agent, and were stored over 4 Å molecularsieves or sodium wire. Petroleum ether refers to the fraction boiling at40-60° C.

Compound 1b was synthesised as described in WO 00/012508 (compound 210),which is herein incorporated by reference.

General LC/MS conditions: The HPLC (Waters Alliance 2695) was run usinga mobile phase of water (A) (formic acid 0.1%) and acetonitrile (B)(formic acid 0.1%). Gradient: initial composition 5% B over 1.0 min then5% B to 95% B within 3 min. The composition was held for 0.5 min at 95%B, and then returned to 5% B in 0.3 minutes. Total gradient run timeequals 5 min. Flow rate 3.0 mL/min, 400 μL was split via a zero deadvolume tee piece which passes into the mass spectrometer. Wavelengthdetection range: 220 to 400 nm. Function type: diode array (535 scans).Column: Phenomenex® Onyx Monolithic C18 50×4.60 mm

LC/MS conditions specific for compounds protected by both a Troc and aTBDMs group: Chromatographic separation of Troc and TBDMS protectedcompounds was performed on a Waters Alliance 2695 HPLC system utilizinga Onyx Monolitic reversed-phase column (3 μm particles, 50×4.6 mm) fromPhenomenex Corp. Mobile-phase A consisted of 5% acetonitrile 95% watercontaining 0.1% formic acid, and mobile phase B consisted of 95%acetonitrile 5% water containing 0.1% formic acid. After 1 min at 5% B,the proportion of B was raised to 95% B over the next 2.5 min andmaintained at 95% B for a further 1 min, before returning to 95% A in 10s and re-equilibration for a further 50 sec, giving a total run time of5.0 min. The flow rate was maintained at 3.0 mL/min.

LC/MS conditions specific for compound 33: LC was run on a Waters 2767sample Manager coupled with a Waters 2996 photodiode array detector anda Waters ZQ single quadruple mass Spectrometer. The column used was LunaPhenyl-Hexyl 150×4.60 mm, 5 μm, Part no. 00F-4257-E0 (Phenomenex). Themobile phases employed were:

Mobile phase A: 100% of HPLC grade water (0.05% triethylamine), pH=7

Mobile phase B: 20% of HPLC grade water and 80% of HPLC gradeacetonitrile (0.05% triethylamine), pH=7

The gradients used were:

Time Flow Rate (min) (ml/min) % A % B Initial 1.50 90 10  1.0 1.50 90 1016.0 1.50 64 36 30.0 1.50 5 95 31.0 1.50 90 10 32.0 1.50 90 10

Mass Spectrometry was carried out in positive ion mode and SIR(selective ion monitor) and the ion monitored was m/z=727.2.

Synthesis of Key Intermediates

(a)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis[(5-methoxy-2-nitro-1,4-phenylene)carbonyl]]bis[(2S,4R)-methyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylate](2a)

Method A: A catalytic amount of DMF (2 drops) was added to a stirredsolution of the nitro-acid 1a (1.0 g, 2.15 mmol) and oxalyl chloride(0.95 mL, 1.36 g, 10.7 mmol) in dry THF (20 mL). The reaction mixturewas allowed to stir for 16 hours at room temperature and the solvent wasremoved by evaporation in vacuo. The resulting residue was re-dissolvedin dry THF (20 mL) and the acid chloride solution was added dropwise toa stirred mixture of (2S,4R)-methyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylatehydrochloride (859 mg, 4.73 mmol) and TEA (6.6 mL, 4.79 g, 47.3 mmol) inTHF (10 mL) at −30° C. (dry ice/ethylene glycol) under a nitrogenatmosphere. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperatureand stirred for a further 3 hours after which time TLC (95:5 v/vCHCl₃/MeOH) and LC/MS (2.45 min (ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 721([M+H]^(+.), 20)) revealed formation of product. Excess THF was removedby rotary evaporation and the resulting residue was dissolved in DCM (50mL). The organic layer was washed with 1N HCl (2×15 mL), saturatedNaHCO₃ (2×15 mL), H₂O (20 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried (MgSO₄).Filtration and evaporation of the solvent gave the crude product as adark coloured oil. Purification by flash chromatography (gradientelution: 100% CHCl₃ to 96:4 v/v CHCl₃/MeOH) isolated the pure amide 2aas an orange coloured glass (840 mg, 54%).

Method B: Oxalyl chloride (9.75 mL, 14.2 g, 111 mmol) was added to astirred suspension of the nitro-acid 1a (17.3 g, 37.1 mmol) and DMF (2mL) in anhydrous DCM (200 mL). Following initial effervescence thereaction suspension became a solution and the mixture was allowed tostir at room temperature for 16 hours. Conversion to the acid chloridewas confirmed by treating a sample of the reaction mixture with MeOH andthe resulting bis-methyl ester was observed by LC/MS. The majority ofsolvent was removed by evaporation in vacuo, the resulting concentratedsolution was re-dissolved in a minimum amount of dry DCM and trituratedwith diethyl ether. The resulting yellow precipitate was collected byfiltration, washed with cold diethyl ether and dried for 1 hour in avacuum oven at 40° C. The solid acid chloride was added portionwise overa period of 25 minutes to a stirred suspension of(2S,4R)-methyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylate hydrochloride (15.2 g,84.0 mmol) and TEA (25.7 mL, 18.7 g, 185 mmol) in DCM (150 mL) at −40°C. (dry ice/CH₃CN). Immediately, the reaction was complete as judged byLC/MS (2.47 min (ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 721 ([M+H]^(+.), 100)).The mixture was diluted with DCM (150 mL) and washed with 1N HCl (300mL), saturated NaHCO₃ (300 mL), brine (300 mL), filtered (through aphase separator) and the solvent evaporated in vacuo to give the pureproduct 2a as an orange solid (21.8 g, 82%).

Analytical Data: [α]²² _(D)=−46.1° (c=0.47, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) (rotamers) 7.63 (s, 2H), 6.82 (s, 2H), 4.79-4.72 (m, 2H),4.49-4.28 (m, 6H), 3.96 (s, 6H), 3.79 (s, 6H), 3.46-3.38 (m, 2H), 3.02(d, 2H, J=11.1 Hz), 2.48-2.30 (m, 4H), 2.29-2.04 (m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (100MHz, CDCl₃) (rotamers) δ 172.4, 166.7, 154.6, 148.4, 137.2, 127.0,109.7, 108.2, 69.7, 65.1, 57.4, 57.0, 56.7, 52.4, 37.8, 29.0; IR (ATR,CHCl₃) 3410 (br), 3010, 2953, 1741, 1622, 1577, 1519, 1455, 1429, 1334,1274, 1211, 1177, 1072, 1050, 1008, 871 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺) m/z (relativeintensity) 721 ([M+H]^(+.), 47), 388 (80); HRMS [M+H]^(+.) theoreticalC₃₁H₃₆N₄O₁₆ m/z 721.2199, found (ES⁺) m/z 721.2227.

(a)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis[(5-methoxy-2-nitro-1,4-phenylene)carbonyl]]bis[(2S,4R)-methyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylate](2b)

Preparation from 1b according to Method B gave the pure product as anorange foam (75.5 g, 82%).

Analytical Data:(ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 749 ([M+H]^(+.), 100).

(b)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(hydroxy)-7-methoxy-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](3a)

Method A: A suspension of 10% Pd/C (7.5 g, 10% w/w) in DMF (40 mL) wasadded to a solution of the nitro-ester 2a (75 g, 104 mmol) in DMF (360mL). The suspension was hydrogenated in a Parr hydrogenation apparatusover 8 hours. Progress of the reaction was monitored by LC/MS (2.12 min(ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 597 ([M+H]^(+.), 100), (ES−) m/z(relative intensity) 595 ([M+H]^(+.), 100) after the hydrogen uptake hadstopped. Solid Pd/C was removed by filtration and the filtrate wasconcentrated by rotary evaporation under vacuum (below 10 mbar) at 40°C. to afford a dark oil containing traces of DMF and residual charcoal.The residue was digested in EtOH (500 mL) at 40° C. on a water bath(rotary evaporator bath) and the resulting suspension was filteredthrough celite and washed with ethanol (500 mL) to give a clearfiltrate. Hydrazine hydrate (10 mL, 321 mmol) was added to the solutionand the reaction mixture was heated at reflux. After 20 minutes theformation of a white precipitate was observed and reflux was allowed tocontinue for a further 30 minutes. The mixture was allowed to cool downto room temperature and the precipitate was retrieved by filtration,washed with diethyl ether (2*1 volume of precipitate) and dried in avacuum desiccator to provide 3a (50 g, 81%).

Method B: A solution of the nitro-ester 2a (6.80 g, 9.44 mmol) in MeOH(300 mL) was added to Raney™ nickel (4 large spatula ends of a 50%slurry in H₂O) and anti-bumping granules in a 3-neck round bottomedflask. The mixture was heated at reflux and then treated dropwise with asolution of hydrazine hydrate (5.88 mL, 6.05 g, 188 mmol) in MeOH (50mL) at which point vigorous effervescence was observed. When theaddition was complete (˜30 minutes) additional Raney™ nickel was addedcarefully until effervescence had ceased and the initial yellow colourof the reaction mixture was discharged. The mixture was heated at refluxfor a further 30 minutes at which point the reaction was deemed completeby TLC (90:10 v/v CHCl₃/MeOH) and LC/MS (2.12 min (ES+) m/z (relativeintensity) 597 ([M+H]^(+.), 100)). The reaction mixture was allowed tocool to around 40° C. and then excess nickel removed by filtrationthrough a sinter funnel without vacuum suction. The filtrate was reducedin volume by evaporation in vacuo at which point a colourlessprecipitate formed which was collected by filtration and dried in avacuum desiccator to provide 3a (5.40 g, 96%).

Analytical Data: [α]²⁷ _(D)=+404° (c=0.10, DMF); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,DMSO-d₆) δ 10.2 (s, 2H, NH), 7.26 (s, 2H), 6.73 (s, 2H), 5.11 (d, 2H,J=3.98 Hz, OH), 4.32-4.27 (m, 2H), 4.19-4.07 (m, 6H), 3.78 (s, 6H), 3.62(dd, 2H, J=12.1, 3.60 Hz), 3.43 (dd, 2H, J=12.0, 4.72 Hz), 2.67-2.57 (m,2H), 2.26 (p, 2H, J=5.90 Hz), 1.99-1.89 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz,DMSO-d₆) δ 169.1, 164.0, 149.9, 144.5, 129.8, 117.1, 111.3, 104.5, 54.8,54.4, 53.1, 33.5, 27.5; IR (ATR, neat) 3438, 1680, 1654, 1610, 1605,1516, 1490, 1434, 1379, 1263, 1234, 1216, 1177, 1156, 1115, 1089, 1038,1018, 952, 870 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 619 ([M+Na]^(+.),10), 597 ([M+H]^(+.), 52), 445 (12), 326 (11); HRMS[M+H]^(+.)theoretical C₂₉H₃₂N₄O₁₀ m/z 597.2191, found (ES⁺) m/z597.2205.

(b)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(hydroxy)-7-methoxy-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione] (3b)

Preparation from 2b according to Method A gave the product as a whitesolid (22.1 g, 86%).

Analytical Data: MS (ES⁻) m/z (relative intensity) 623.3 ([M−H]^(−.),100);

(c)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](4a)

TBSCl (317 mg, 2.1 mmol) and imidazole (342 mg, 5.03 mmol) were added toa cloudy solution of the tetralactam 3a (250 mg, 0.42 mmol) in anhydrousDMF (6 mL). The mixture was allowed to stir under a nitrogen atmospherefor 3 hours after which time the reaction was deemed complete as judgedby LC/MS (3.90 min (ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 825 ([M+H]^(+.),100)). The reaction mixture was poured onto ice (˜25 mL) and allowed towarm to room temperature with stirring. The resulting white precipitatewas collected by vacuum filtration, washed with H₂O, diethyl ether anddried in the vacuum desiccator to provide pure 4a (252 mg, 73%).

Analytical Data: [α]²³ _(D)=+234° (c=0.41, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 8.65 (s, 2H, NH), 7.44 (s, 2H), 6.54 (s, 2H), 4.50 (p, 2H,J=5.38 Hz), 4.21-4.10 (m, 6H), 3.87 (s, 6H), 3.73-3.63 (m, 4H),2.85-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.36-2.29 (m, 2H), 2.07-1.99 (m, 2H), 0.86 (s, 18H),0.08 (s, 12H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 170.4, 165.7, 151.4, 146.6,129.7, 118.9, 112.8, 105.3, 69.2, 65.4, 56.3, 55.7, 54.2, 35.2, 28.7,25.7, 18.0, −4.82 and −4.86; IR (ATR, CHCl₃) 3235, 2955, 2926, 2855,1698, 1695, 1603, 1518, 1491, 1446, 1380, 1356, 1251, 1220, 1120, 1099,1033 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 825 ([M+H]^(+.), 62), 721(14), 440 (38); HRMS [M+H]^(+.)theoretical C₄₁H₆₀N₄O₁₀Si₂ m/z 825.3921,found (ES⁺) m/z 825.3948.

(c)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](4b)

Preparation from 3b according to the above method gave the product as awhite solid (27.3 g, 93%).

Analytical Data: MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 853.8 ([M+H]^(+.),100), (ES⁻) m/z (relative intensity) 851.6 ([M+H]^(−.), 100.

(d)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](5a)

A solution of n-BuLi (4.17 mL of a 1.6 M solution in hexane, 6.67 mmol)in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension ofthe tetralactam 4a (2.20 g, 2.67 mmol) in anhydrous THF (30 mL) at −30°C. (dry ice/ethylene glycol) under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reactionmixture was allowed to stir at this temperature for 1 hour (now areddish orange colour) at which point a solution of SEMCl (1.18 mL, 1.11g, 6.67 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added dropwise. The reactionmixture was allowed to slowly warm to room temperature and was stirredfor 16 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was deemedcomplete as judged by TLC (EtOAc) and LC/MS (4.77 min (ES+) m/z(relative intensity) 1085 ([M+H]^(+.), 100)). The THF was removed byevaporation in vacuo and the resulting residue dissolved in EtOAc (60mL), washed with H₂O (20 mL), brine (20 mL), dried (MgSO₄) filtered andevaporated in vacuo to provide the crude product.

Purification by flash chromatography (80:20 v/v Hexane/EtOAc) gave thepure N10-SEM-protected tetralactam 5a as an oil (2.37 g, 82%).

Analytical Data: [α]²³ _(D)=+163° (c=0.41, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.33 (s, 2H), 7.22 (s, 2H), 5.47 (d, 2H, J=9.98 Hz), 4.68 (d,2H, J=9.99 Hz), 4.57 (p, 2H, J=5.77 Hz), 4.29-4.19 (m, 6H), 3.89 (s,6H), 3.79-3.51 (m, 8H), 2.87-2.81 (m, 2H), 2.41 (p, 2H, J=5.81 Hz),2.03-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.02-0.81 (m, 22H), 0.09 (s, 12H), 0.01 (s, 18H); ¹³CNMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 170.0, 165.7, 151.2, 147.5, 133.8, 121.8, 111.6,106.9, 78.1, 69.6, 67.1, 65.5, 56.6, 56.3, 53.7, 35.6, 30.0, 25.8, 18.4,18.1, −1.24, −4.73; IR (ATR, CHCl₃) 2951, 1685, 1640, 1606, 1517, 1462,1433, 1360, 1247, 1127, 1065 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity)1113 ([M+H]^(+.), 48), 1085 ([M+H]^(+.), 100), 1009 (5), 813 (6); HRMS[M+H]⁺. theoretical C₅₃H₈₈N₄O₁₂Si₄ m/z 1085.5548, found (ES⁺) m/z1085.5542.

(d)1,1′-[[(Pentane1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](5b)

Preparation from 4b according to the above method gave the product as apale orange foam (46.9 g, 100%), used without further purification.

Analytical Data: MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 1114 ([M+H]^(+.),90), (ES⁻) m/z (relative intensity) 1158 ([M+2Na]^(−.), 100).

(e)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](6a)

A solution of TBAF (5.24 mL of a 1.0 M solution in THF, 5.24 mmol) wasadded to a stirred solution of the bis-silyl ether 5a (2.58 g, 2.38mmol) in THF (40 mL) at room temperature. After stirring for 3.5 hours,analysis of the reaction mixture by TLC (95:5 v/v CHCl₃/MeOH) revealedcompletion of reaction. The reaction mixture was poured into a solutionof saturated NH₄Cl (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine (60 mL), dried (MgSO₄),filtered and evaporated in vacuo to provide the crude product.Purification by flash chromatography (gradient elution: 100% CHCl₃ to96:4 v/v CHCl₃/MeOH) gave the pure tetralactam 6a as a white foam (1.78g, 87%).

Analytical Data: [α]²³ _(D)=+202° (c=0.34, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.28 (s, 2H), 7.20 (s, 2H), 5.44 (d, 2H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.72 (d,2H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.61-4.58 (m, 2H), 4.25 (t, 4H, J=5.83 Hz), 4.20-4.16(m, 2H), 3.91-3.85 (m, 8H), 3.77-3.54 (m, 6H), 3.01 (br s, 2H, OH),2.96-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.38 (p, 2H, J=5.77 Hz), 2.11-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.00-0.91(m, 4H), 0.00 (s, 18H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 169.5, 165.9, 151.3,147.4, 133.7, 121.5, 111.6, 106.9, 79.4, 69.3, 67.2, 65.2, 56.5, 56.2,54.1, 35.2, 29.1, 18.4, −1.23; IR (ATR, CHCl₃) 2956, 1684, 1625, 1604,1518, 1464, 1434, 1361, 1238, 1058, 1021 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺) m/z (relativeintensity) 885 ([M+29]^(+.), 70), 857 ([M+H]^(+.), 100), 711 (8), 448(17); HRMS [M+H]^(+.)theoretical C₄₁H₆₀N₄O₁₂Si₂ m/z 857.3819, found(ES⁺) m/z 857.3826.

(e)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS,2R)-2-hydroxy-7-methoxy-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](6b)

Preparation from 5b according to the above method gave the product as awhite foam (15.02 g).

Analytical Data: MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 886 ([M+H]^(+.), 10),739.6 (100), (ES⁻) m/z (relative intensity) 884 ([M−H]^(−.), 40).

(f)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis[(11aS)-11-sulpho-7-methoxy-2-oxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5,11-dione]](7a)

Method A: A 0.37 M sodium hypochlorite solution (142.5 mL, 52.71 mmol,2.4 eq) was added dropwise to a vigorously stirred mixture of the diol6a (18.8 g, 21.96 mmol, 1 eq), TEMPO (0.069 g, 0.44 mmol, 0.02 eq) and0.5 M potassium bromide solution (8.9 mL, 4.4 mmol, 0.2 eq) in DCM (115mL) at 0° C. The temperature was maintained between 0° C. and 5° C. byadjusting the rate of addition. The resultant yellow emulsion wasstirred at 0° C. to 5° C. for 1 hour. TLC (EtOAc) and LC/MS [3.53 min.(ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 875 ([M+Na]^(+.), 50), (ES−) m/z(relative intensity) 852 ([M−H]^(−.), 100)] indicated that reaction wascomplete.

The reaction mixture was filtered, the organic layer separated and theaqueous layer was backwashed with DCM (×2). The combined organicportions were washed with brine (×1), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated togive a yellow foam. Purification by flash column chromatography(gradient elution 35/65 v/v n-hexane/EtOAC, 30/70 to 25/75 v/vn-hexane/EtOAC) afforded the bis-ketone 7a as a white foam (14.1 g,75%).

Sodium hypochlorite solution, reagent grade, available at chlorine10-13%, was used. This was assumed to be 10% (10 g NaClO in 100 g) andcalculated to be 1.34 M in NaClO. A stock solution was prepared fromthis by diluting it to 0.37 M with water. This gave a solution ofapproximately pH 14. The pH was adjusted to 9.3 to 9.4 by the additionof solid NaHCO₃. An aliquot of this stock was then used so as to give2.4 mol eq. for the reaction.

On addition of the bleach solution an initial increase in temperaturewas observed. The rate of addition was controlled, to maintain thetemperature between 0° C. to 5° C. The reaction mixture formed a thick,lemon yellow coloured, emulsion.

The oxidation was an adaptation of the procedure described in Thomas Feyet al, J. Org. Chem., 2001, 66, 8154-8159.

Method B: Solid TCCA (10.6 g, 45.6 mmol) was added portionwise to astirred solution of the alcohol 6a (18.05 g, 21.1 mmol) and TEMPO (123mg, 0.78 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (700 mL) at 0° C. (ice/acetone). Thereaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere for 15minutes after which time TLC (EtOAc) and LC/MS [3.57 min (ES+) m/z(relative intensity) 875 ([M+Na]^(+.), 50)] revealed completion ofreaction. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite and thefiltrate was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (400 mL), brine (400mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated in vacuo to provide thecrude product. Purification by flash column chromatography (80:20 v/vEtOAc/Hexane) afforded the bis-ketone 7a as a foam (11.7 g, 65%).

Method C: A solution of anhydrous DMSO (0.72 mL, 0.84 g, 10.5 mmol) indry DCM (18 mL) was added dropwise over a period of 25 min to a stirredsolution of oxalyl chloride (2.63 mL of a 2.0 M solution in DCM, 5.26mmol) under a nitrogen atmosphere at −60° C. (liq N₂/CHCl₃). Afterstirring at −55° C. for 20 minutes, a slurry of the substrate 6a (1.5 g,1.75 mmol) in dry DCM (36 mL) was added dropwise over a period of 30 minto the reaction mixture. After stirring for a further 50 minutes at −55°C., a solution of TEA (3.42 mL, 2.49 g; 24.6 mmol) in dry DCM (18 mL)was added dropwise over a period of 20 min to the reaction mixture. Thestirred reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature (˜1.5h) and then diluted with DCM (50 mL). The organic solution was washedwith 1 N HCl (2×25 mL), H₂O (30 mL), brine (30 mL) and dried (MgSO₄).Filtration and evaporation of the solvent in vacuo afforded the crudeproduct which was purified by flash column chromatography (80:20 v/vEtOAc/Hexane) to afford bis-ketone 7a as a foam (835 mg, 56%)

Analytical Data: [α]²⁰ _(D)=+291° (c=0.26, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.32 (s, 2H), 7.25 (s, 2H), 5.50 (d, 2H, J=10.1 Hz), 4.75 (d,2H, J=10.1 Hz), 4.60 (dd, 2H, J=9.85, 3.07 Hz), 4.31-4.18 (m, 6H),3.89-3.84 (m, 8H), 3.78-3.62 (m, 4H), 3.55 (dd, 2H, J=19.2, 2.85 Hz),2.76 (dd, 2H, J=19.2, 9.90 Hz), 2.42 (p, 2H, J=5.77 Hz), 0.98-0.91 (m,4H), 0.00 (s, 18H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 206.8, 168.8, 165.9,151.8, 148.0, 133.9, 120.9, 111.6, 107.2, 78.2, 67.3, 65.6, 56.3, 54.9,52.4, 37.4, 29.0, 18.4, −1.24; IR (ATR, CHCl₃) 2957, 1763, 1685, 1644,1606, 1516, 1457, 1434, 1360, 1247, 1209, 1098, 1066, 1023 cm⁻¹; MS(ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 881 ([M+29]^(+.), 38), 853 ([M+H]^(+.),100), 707 (8), 542 (12); HRMS [M+H]⁺. theoretical C₄₁H₅₆N₄O₁₂Si₂ m/z853.3506, found (ES⁺) m/z 853.3502.

(f)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis[(11aS)-11-sulpho-7-methoxy-2-oxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)1,2,3,10,11,11a-hexahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-5,11-dione]](7b)

Preparation from 6b according to Method C gave the product as a whitefoam (10.5 g, 76%).

Analytical Data: MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity) 882 ([M+H]^(+.), 30),735 (100), (ES⁻) m/z (relative intensity) 925 ([M+45]^(−.), 100), 880([M−H]^(−.), 70).

(g)1,1′-[[(Propane-1,3-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS)-7-methoxy-2-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]oxy]-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](8a)

Anhydrous 2,6-lutidine (5.15 mL, 4.74 g, 44.2 mmol) was injected in oneportion to a vigorously stirred solution of bis-ketone 7a (6.08 g, 7.1mmol) in dry DCM (180 mL) at −45° C. (dry ice/acetonitrile cooling bath)under a nitrogen atmosphere. Anhydrous triflic anhydride, taken from afreshly opened ampoule (7.2 mL, 12.08 g, 42.8 mmol), was injectedrapidly dropwise, while maintaining the temperature at −40° C. or below.The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at −45° C. for 1 hour at whichpoint TLC (50/50 v/v n-hexane/EtOAc) revealed the complete consumptionof starting material. The cold reaction mixture was immediately dilutedwith DCM (200 mL) and, with vigorous shaking, washed with water (1×100mL), 5% citric acid solution (1×200 mL) saturated NaHCO₃ (200 mL), brine(100 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). Filtration and evaporation of the solvent invacuo afforded the crude product which was purified by flash columnchromatography (gradient elution: 90:10 v/v n-hexane/EtOAc to 70:30 v/vn-hexane/EtOAc) to afford bis-enol triflate 8a as a yellow foam (5.5 g,70%).

Analytical Data: [α]²⁴ _(D)=+271° (c=0.18, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.33 (s, 2H), 7.26 (s, 2H), 7.14 (t, 2H, J=1.97 Hz), 5.51 (d,2H, J=10.1 Hz), 4.76 (d, 2H, J=10.1 Hz), 4.62 (dd, 2H, J=11.0, 3.69 Hz),4.32-4.23 (m, 4H), 3.94-3.90 (m, 8H), 3.81-3.64 (m, 4H), 3.16 (ddd, 2H,J=16.3, 11.0, 2.36 Hz), 2.43 (p, 2H, J=5.85 Hz), 1.23-0.92 (m, 4H), 0.02(s, 18H); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 167.1, 162.7, 151.9, 148.0, 138.4,133.6, 120.2, 118.8, 111.9, 107.4, 78.6, 67.5, 65.6, 56.7, 56.3, 30.8,29.0, 18.4, −1.25; IR (ATR, CHCl₃) 2958, 1690, 1646, 1605, 1517, 1456,1428, 1360, 1327, 1207, 1136, 1096, 1060, 1022, 938, 913 cm⁻¹; MS (ES⁺)m/z (relative intensity) 1144 ([M+28]^(+.), 100), 1117 ([M+H]^(+.), 48),1041 (40), 578 (8); HRMS [M+H]^(+.)theoretical C₄₃H₅₄N₄O₁₆Si₂S₂F₆ m/z1117.2491, found (ES⁺) m/z 1117.2465.

(g)1,1′-[[(Pentane-1,5-diyl)dioxy]bis(11aS)-7-methoxy-2-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]oxy]-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]-benzodiazepin-5,11-dione](8b)

Preparation from 7b according to the above method gave the bis-enoltriflate as a pale yellow foam (6.14 g, 82%).

Analytical Data: (ES+) m/z (relative intensity) 1146 ([M+H]^(+.), 85).

Example 1

(a)(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)propoxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione(9)

Solid Pd(PPh₃)₄ (20.18 mg, 17.46 mmol) was added to a stirred solutionof the triflate 8a (975 mg, 0.87 mmol),4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaboralane-2-yl)aniline (172 mg, 0.79mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (138 mg, 3.98 mol) in toluene (13 mL) EtOH (6.5 mL) andH₂O (6.5 mL). The dark solution was allowed to stir under a nitrogenatmosphere for 24 hours, after which time analysis by TLC (EtOAc) andLC/MS revealed the formation of the desired mono-coupled product and aswell as the presence of unreacted starting material. The solvent wasremoved by rotary evaporation under reduced pressure and the resultingresidue partitioned between H₂O (100 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL), aftereventual separation of the layers the aqueous phase was extracted againwith EtOAc (2×25 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with H₂O(50 mL), brine (60 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated in vacuoto provide the crude Suzuki product. The crude Suzuki product wassubjected to flash chromatography (40% EtOAc/60% Hexane p70% EtOAc, 30%Hexane). Removal of the excess eluent by rotary evaporation underreduced pressure afforded the desired product 9 (399 mg) in 43% yield.

¹HNMR: (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 7.27 (bs, 3H),7.24 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 7.15 (t, 1H, J=2.0 Hz), 6.66 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz),5.52 (d, 2H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.77 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.76 (d, 1H, J=10.0Hz), 4.62 (dd, 1H, J=3.7, 11.0 Hz), 4.58 (dd, 1H, J=3.4, 10.6 Hz), 4.29(t, 4H, J=5.6 Hz), 4.00-3.85 (m, 8H), 3.80-3.60 (m, 4H), 3.16 (ddd, 1H,J=2.4, 11.0, 16.3 Hz), 3.11 (ddd, 1H, J=2.2, 10.5, 16.1 Hz), 2.43 (p,2H, J=5.9 Hz), 1.1-0.9 (m, 4H), 0.2 (s, 18H). ¹³C-NMR: (CDCl₃, 100 MHz)δ 169.8, 168.3, 164.0, 162.7, 153.3, 152.6, 149.28, 149.0, 147.6, 139.6,134.8, 134.5, 127.9 (methine), 127.5, 125.1, 123.21, 121.5, 120.5(methine), 120.1 (methine), 116.4 (methine), 113.2 (methine), 108.7(methine), 79.8 (methylene), 79.6 (methylene), 68.7 (methylene), 68.5(methylene), 67.0 (methylene), 66.8 (methylene), 58.8 (methine), 58.0(methine), 57.6 (methoxy), 32.8 (methylene), 32.0 (methylene), 30.3(methylene), 19.7 (methylene), 0.25 (methyl).

(b)(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)propoxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11 aH)-dione (10)

Solid Pd(PPh₃)₄ (10 mg, 8.69 μmol) was added to a stirred solution ofthe mono-triflate 9 (230 mg, 0.22 mmol) in toluene (3 mL), EtOH (10 mL),with 4-methoxyphenyl boronic acid (43 mg, 0.28 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (37 mg,0.35 mmol), in H₂O (1.5 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixturewas allowed to stir under a nitrogen atmosphere for 20 h, at which pointthe reaction was deemed complete as judged by LC/MS and TLC (EtOAc). Thesolvent was removed by rotary evaporation under reduced pressure invacuo and the resulting residue partitioned between EtOAc (75 mL) andH₂O (75 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3×30 mL) andthe combined organic layers washed with H₂O (30 mL), brine (40 mL),dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated to provide the crude product. Thecrude product was purified by flash chromatography (60% Hexane:40%EtOAc→80% EtOAc:20% Hexane) to provide the pure dimer as an orange foam.Removal of the excess eluent under reduced pressure afforded the desiredproduct 10 (434 mg) in 74% yield.

¹H-NMR: (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 7.38 (s, 2H), 7.34 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.30(bs, 1H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 6.86 (d, 2H, J=8.8Hz), 6.63 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 5.50 (d, 2H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.75 (d, 1H,J=10.0 Hz), 4.74 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.56 (td, 2H, J=3.3, 10.1 Hz), 4.27(t, 2H, J=5.7 Hz), 4.00-3.85 (m, 8H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.77-3.60 (m, 4H),3.20-3.00 (m, 2H), 2.42 (p, 2H, J=5.7 Hz), 0.96 (t, 4H, J=8.3 Hz), 0.00(s, 18H). ¹³C-NMR: (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) δ 169.8, 169.7, 162.9, 162.7, 160.6,152.7, 152.6, 149.0, 147.5, 134.8, 127.8 (methine), 127.4, 126.8, 125.1,123.1, 123.0, 121.5 (methine), 120.4 (methine), 116.4 (methine), 115.5(methine), 113.1 (methine), 108.6 (methine), 79.6 (methylene), 68.5(methylene), 66.9 (methylene), 58.8 (methine), 57.6 (methoxy), 56.7(methoxy), 32.8 (methylene), 30.3 (methylene), 19.7 (methylene), 0.0(methyl).

(c)(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)propoxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one(11)

Fresh LiBH₄ (183 mg, 8.42 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of theSEM-dilactam 10 (428 mg, 0.42 mmol) in THF (5 mL) and EtOH (5 mL) atroom temperature. After 10 minutes, delayed vigorous effervescence wasobserved requiring the reaction vessel to be placed in an ice bath.After removal of the ice bath the mixture was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for 1 hour. LC/MS analysis at this point revealed totalconsumption of starting material with very little mono-reduced product.The reaction mixture was poured onto ice (100 mL) and allowed to warm toroom temperature with stirring. The aqueous mixture was extracted withDCM (3×30 mL) and the combined organic layers washed with H₂O (20 mL),brine (30 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue wastreated with DCM (5 mL), EtOH (14 mL), H₂O (7 mL) and silica gel (10 g).The viscous mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 days.The mixture was filtered slowly through a sinter funnel and the silicaresidue washed with 90% CHCl₃: 10% MeOH (˜250 mL) until UV activityfaded completely from the eluent. The organic phase was washed with H₂O(50 mL), brine 60 mL), dried (MgSO₄) filtered and evaporated in vacuo toprovide the crude material. The crude product was purified by flashchromatography (97% CHCl₃: 3% MeOH) to provide the pure C2/C2′ aryl PBDdimer 11 (185 mg) 61% yield.

¹H-NMR: (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ 7.88 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.87 (d, 1H, J=4.0Hz), 7.52 (s, 2H), 7.39 (bs, 1H), 7.37-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.20 (d, 2H, J=8.5Hz), 6.89 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.87 (s, 1H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 6.67 (d, 2H,J=8.5 Hz), 4.40-4.20 (m, 6H), 3.94 (s, 6H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.61-3.50 (m,2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, 2H), 2.47-2.40 (m, 2H). ¹³C-NMR: (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) δ162.5 (imine methine), 161.3, 161.1, 159.3, 156.0, 151.1, 148.1, 146.2,140.3, 126.2 (methine), 123.2, 122.0, 120.5 (methine), 119.4, 115.2(methine), 114.3 (methine), 111.9 (methine), 111.2 (methine), 65.5(methylene), 56.2 (methoxy), 55.4 (methoxy), 53.9 (methine), 35.6(methylene), 28.9 (methylene).

Example 2

(a)(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(5-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione (12)

Solid Pd(PPh₃)₄ (32 mg, 27.7 μmol) was added to a stirred solution ofthe bis-triflate 8b (1.04 g, 0.91 mmol) in toluene (10 mL), EtOH (5 mL),with 4-methoxyphenyl boronic acid (0.202 g, 1.32 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (0.169 g,1.6 mmol), in H₂O (5 mL) at 30° C. The reaction mixture was allowed tostir under a nitrogen atmosphere for 20 hours. Additional solid4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaboralan-2-yl)aniline (0.203 g, 0.93mmol) and Na₂CO₃ (0.056 g, 0.53 mmol) were added followed by solidPd(PPh₃)₄ (10 mg, 8.6 μmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stirunder a nitrogen atmosphere for a further 20 hours.

LC/MS indicated the formation of desired product. EtOAc (100 mL) and H₂O(100 mL) were added, the aqueous was separated and extracted with EtOAc(3×30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with H₂O (100 mL),brine (100 mL), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated to provide a darkbrown oil. The oil was dissolved in DCM and loaded onto a 10 g SCX-2cartridge pre-equilibrated with DCM (1 vol). The cartridge was washedwith DCM (3 vol), MeOH (3 vol) and the crude product eluted with 2M NH₃in MeOH (2 vol). Flash chromatography (50% n-hexane:50% EtOAc→20%n-hexane:80% EtOAc) provided the pure dimer 12 as a yellow foam (0.16 g,34%).

Analytical Data: [α]²³ _(D)=+388° (c=0.22, CHCl₃); ¹HNMR: (CDCl₃, 400MHz) δ 7.39 (s, 2H), 7.35 (d, 2H, J=12.8 Hz), 7.32 (bs, 1H), 7.26-7.23(m, 5H), 6.89 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 6.66 (d, 2H, J=8.5 Hz), 5.55 (d, 2H,J=10.0 Hz), 4.73 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.72 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz), 4.62 (td,2H, J=3.2, 10.4 Hz), 4.15-4.05 (m, 4H), 4.00-3.85 (m, 8H), 3.82 (s, 3H),3.77-3.63 (m, 4H), 3.20-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.05-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.75-1.67 (m,2H) 1.01-0.95 (m, 4H), 0.03 (s, 18H); MS (ES⁺) m/z (relative intensity)1047 ([M+H]^(+.), 45).

(b)(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(5-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one(13)

Fresh LiBH₄ (66 mg, 3.04 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of theSEM-dilactam 12 (428 mg, 0.42 mmol) in THF (3 mL) and EtOH (3 mL) at 0°C. (ice bath). The ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture wasallowed to reach room temperature (vigorous effervescence). After 2hours LC/MS analysis indicated the complete consumption of startingmaterial. The reaction mixture was poured onto ice (50 mL) and allowedto warm to room temperature with stirring. The aqueous mixture wasextracted with DCM (3×50 mL) and the combined organic layers washed withH₂O (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. Theresulting residue was treated with DCM (2 mL), EtOH (5 mL), H₂O (2.5 mL)and silica gel (3.7 g). The viscous mixture was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for 3 days. The mixture was filtered through a sinter funneland the silica residue washed with 90% CHCl₃: 10% MeOH (˜250 mL) untilUV activity faded completely from the eluent. The organic phase wasdried (MgSO₄) filtered and evaporated in vacuo to provide the crudematerial. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (99.5%CHCl₃: 0.5% MeOH to 97.5% CHCl₃: 2.5% MeOH in 0.5% increments)) toprovide the pure C2/C2′ aryl PBD dimer 13 (59 mg, 52%).

Analytical Data:[α]²⁸ _(D)=+760° (c=0.14, CHCl₃); ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.89 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.87 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.52 (s, 2H),7.39 (bs, 1H), 7.37-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.22 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 6.91 (d, 2H,J=8.8 Hz), 6.815 (s, 1H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 6.68 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz),4.45-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.2-4.0 (m, 4H), 3.94 (s, 6H), 3.85-3.7 (s, 3H),3.65-3.50 (m, 2H), 3.45-3.3 (m, 2H), 2.05-1.9 (m, 4H), 1.75-1.65 (m,2H); MS (ES⁺) (relative intensity) 754.6 ([M+H]^(+.), 100), (ES⁻)(relative intensity) 752.5 ([M−H]^(−.), 100).

Example 3

(a)(S)-2-(thien-2-yl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione(14)

Solid Pd(PPh₃)₄ (41 mg, 0.036 mmol) was added to a stirred solution ofthe bis-triflate 8a (1 g, 0.9 mmol) in toluene (10 mL), EtOH (5 mL),with thien-2-yl boronic acid (149 mg, 1.16 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (152 mg, 1.43mmol), in H₂O (5 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir under anitrogen atmosphere overnight at room temperature. The solvent wasremoved by evaporation in vacuo and the resulting residue partitionedbetween H₂O (100 mL) and EtOAc (100 mL). The aqueous layer was extractedwith EtOAc (2×30 mL) and the combined organic layers washed with H₂O (50mL), brine (50 mL) dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated in vacuo toprovide the crude product which was purified by flash chromatography (80hexane:20 EtOAc→50 hexane:50 EtOAc) to provide the dimmer 14 (188 mg,20%) yield

Analytical data: LC-MS RT 4.27 mins, 1051 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃)δ 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.31 (bs, 1H), 7.27 (bs, 1H), 7.26-7.23 (m, 2H),7.22-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.12 (bs, 1H), 7.02-6.96 (m, 2H), 5.50 (d, J=10.0 Hz,2H), 7.75 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 2H), 4.65-4.55 (m, 2H), 4.37-4.13 (m, 4H),4.00-3.85 (m, 8H), 3.8-3.6 (m, 4H), 3.20-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.35 (m,2H), 1.0-0.9 (m, 4H), 0 (s, 18H).

(b)(S)-2-(thien-2-yl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione(15)

Solid Pd(PPh₃)₄ (7.66 mg, 6.63 μmol) was added to a stirred, cloudysolution of 14 (174 mg, 0.17 mmol), Na₂CO₃ (28 mg, 0.22 mmol) and4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaboralan-2-yl)aniline (47 mg, 0.22mmol) in toluene (2-5 mL), EtOH (1.25 mL) and H₂O (125 mL) at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir under a N₂atmosphere for 24 hours at which point the reaction was deemed completeby LC/MS major peak (@ 3.97 min, FW=1016, M+Na) and TLC (EtOAc). Thesolvent was removed by evaporation in vacuo and the resulting residuepartitioned between EtOAc (60 mL) and H₂O (30 mL). The layers wereseparated and the organic phase was washed with H₂O) (20 mL), brine (30mL) dried (MgSO₄) filtered and evaporated in vacuo to provide the crudeproduct 123 mg, 75% yield.

Analytical data: LC-MS RT 3.98 mins, 100% area, 994 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.40 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (t, J=1.70 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.27(m, 3H), 7.25 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (dd, J=1.4, 4.73 Hz, 1H),7.03-6.97 (m, 2H), 6.66 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.52 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 2H), 4.78(d, J=10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.77 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.62 (dd, J=3.4, 10.5 Hz,1H), 4.59 (dd, J=3.40, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (t, J=5.85 Hz, 4H), 3.85-4.03(m, 8H), 3.84-3.64 (m, 6H), 3.18 (ddd, J=2.2, 10.5, 16.0 Hz, 1H), 3.11(ddd, J=2.2, 10.5, 16.0 Hz, 1H), 2.44 (p, J=5.85 Hz, 2H), 0.98 (t, J=1.5Hz, 4H), 0 (s, 18H).

(c)(S)-2-(thien-2-yl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one(16)

Fresh LiBH₄ (47 mg, 2.22 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of theSEM-dilactam 15 (110 mg, 0.11 mmol) in dry THF (3 mL) and EtOH (3 mL) at0° C. (ice bath). The ice bath was removed and the reaction mixturestirred under a N₂ atmosphere for 1 hour. Analysis of the reaction byLC/MS analysis revealed significant formation of the desired product (Pk@ 2.57 min) (I=69.32), FW=702, M+H) and half-imine. The reaction mixturewas allowed to stir for a further 1 hour after which time no furtherreaction progress was observed by LC/MS. The reaction mixture was pouredonto ice, stirred and allowed to warm to room temperature. Followingpartition between DCM (50 mL) and water (50 mL), the aqueous phase wasextracted with DCM (3×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washedwith H₂O (50 mL), brine (50 mL) and the solvent removed by evaporationin vacuo under reduced pressure.

The resulting residue was dissolved in DCM (5 mL), EtOH (15 mL) and H₂O(7 mL) then treated with silica gel (5 g). The reaction was allowed tostir at room temperature for 48 h. The silica was removed by filtrationthrough a sinter funnel and the residue rinsed with 90:10 CHCl₃: MeOH(100 mL). H₂O (50 mL) was added to the filtrate and the layers wereseparated (after shaking). The aqueous layer was extracted with CHCl₃(2×30 mL) and H₂O (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried (MgSO₄) filtered andevaporated in vacuo to provide the crude product. Flash chromatography(CHCl₃→98% CHCl₃: 2% MeOH) afforded the product (41 mg, 53%).

Analytical data: LC-MS RT 2.55 mins, 702 (M+H)

Example 4

(a)(S)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione(17)

Solid 4-methoxybenzeneboronic acid (0.388 g, 2.55 mmol) was added to asolution of the SEM protected bis triflate (8a) (3.0 g, 2.69 mmol),sodium carbonate (426 mg, 4.02 mmol) and palladium tetrakistriphenylphosphine (0.08 mmol) in toluene (54.8 mL), ethanol (27 mL) andwater (27 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at roomtemperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was then partitionedbetween ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed with waterand brine and dried over magnesium sulphate. Excess solvent was removedby rotary evaporation under reduced pressure and the resulting residuewas subjected to flash column chromatography (silica gel; gradientelution

EtOAc/hexane 30/70→35/65→40/60→45/55) to remove unreacted bis-triflate(0.6 g). Removal of excess eluent from selected fractions afforded the4-methoxyphenyl coupled product (1.27 g, 1.18 mmol, 41%).

LC-MS RT 4.30 mins, 1076 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.41 (s, 1H),7.39 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.34 (bs, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.16(t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.53 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 2H), 4.79(d, J=10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.78 (d, J=10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.66-4.60 (m, 2H), 4.30 (t,J=5.7 Hz, 4H), 4.0-3.94 (m, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s,3H), 3.83-3.60 (m, 4H), 3.22-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.45 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H),1.05-0.94 (m, 4H), 0 (s, 18H).

(b)(S)-2-(3-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,11-dioxo-1042-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione (18)

Solid 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid (0.143 g, 0.92 mmol) was added to asolution of the mono triflate (17) (0.619 g, 0.58 mmol), sodiumcarbonate (195 mg, 1.84 mmol) and palladium tetrakis triphenylphosphine(26.6 mg, 0.023 mmol) in toluene (10 mL), ethanol (5 mL) and water (5mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature forovernight at 30° C. The reaction mixture was then partitioned betweenethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed with water andbrine and dried over magnesium sulphate. Excess solvent was removed byrotary evaporation under reduced pressure and the resulting residue wassubjected to flash column chromatography (silica gel; gradient elutionEtOAc/hexane 70/30→85/15). Removal of excess eluent from selectedfractions afforded the desired product (0.502 g, 0.49 mmol, 85%).

LC-MS RT 4.02 mins, 1019 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.38-7.35 (m,4H), 7.33 (bs, 1H), 7.30 (bs, 1H), 7.25 (s, 2H), 7.10 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H),6.88-6.80 (m, 3H), 6.72 (bs, 1H), 6.57 (dd, J=7.9, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 5.50 (d,J=10.0 Hz, 2H), 4.75 (d, 10.0 Hz, 2H), 4.58 (dd, J=10.6, 3.3 Hz, 2H),4.27 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 4H), 3.95-3.91 (m, 2H), 3.90 (s, 6H), 3.80 (s, 3H),3.77-3.60 (m. 6H), 3.15-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.41 (p, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 0.95 (t,=8.25 Hz, 4H), 0 (s, 18H).

(c)(S)-2-(3-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one(19)

A solution of superhydride (0.56 mL, 0.56 mmol, 1.0 M in THF) was addeddropwise to a solution of the SEM dilactam (18) (0.271 g, 0.27 mmol) indry THF (10 mL) at −78° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. After 1 hr afurther aliquot of superhydride solution (0.13 ml, 0.13 mmol) was addedand the reaction mixture was allowed to stir for another 0.5 hr, atwhich time LC-MS indicated that reduction was complete. The reactionmixture was diluted with water and allowed to warm to room temperature.The reaction mixture was partitioned between chloroform and water, thelayers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted with additionalchloroform (emulsions). Finally the combined organic phase was washedwith brine and dried over magnesium sulphate. The reduced product wasdissolved in methanol, chloroform and water and allowed to stir in thepresence of silica gel for 72 hours The crude product was subjected toflash column chromatography (methanol/chloroform gradient) to afford thedesired imine product (150 mg, 0.21 mmol, 77%) after removal of excesseluent from selected fractions.

LC-MS RT 2.63 mins, 97% area, 726 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.85(d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H),7.42 (s, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (t, (d, J=7.8Hz, 1H), 6.90-6.80 (m, 4H), 6.77 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 4.40-4.20 (m, 6H),3.92 (s, 6H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.27 (m, 6H), 2.48-2.29 (m, 2H)

Example 5

(a) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-((11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-2-(trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy)-11,11a-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate21

Solid 4-methoxybenzeneboronic acid (59 mg, 0.39 mmol) was added to asolution of the Troc protected bis triflate (Compound 44, WO2006/111759) (600 mg, 0.41 mmol), sodium carbonate (65 mg, 0.61 mmoml)and palladium tetrakis triphenylphosphine (0.012 mmol) in toluene (10.8mL), ethanol (5.4 mL) and water (5.4 mL). The reaction mixture wasallowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture wasthen partitioned between ethylacetate and water. The organic layer waswashed with water and brine and dried over magnesium sulphate. Excesssolvent was removed by rotary evaporation under reduced pressure and theresulting residue was subjected to flash column chromatography (silicagel; gradient elution EtOAc/hexane 20/80→30/70→40/60→60/40) to removeunreacted bis-triflate. Removal of excess eluent from selected fractionsafforded the 4-methoxyphenyl coupled product (261 mg, 0.18 mmol, 46%).

LC-MS RT 4.17 mins, 1427 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.38 (s, 1H),7.33 (s, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.20 (bs, 1H),6.92 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.0-5.90 (m, 2H), 5.25(d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H),4.22 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.18-4.08 (m, 2H), 4.07-3.89 (m, 10H), 3.81 (s,3H), 3.44-3.25 (m, 2H), 2.85 (d, J=16.6 Hz, 2H), 2.05-1.90 (m, 4H),1.76-1.64 (m, 2H), 0.93 (s, 9H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.30 (s, 6H), 0.26 (s,6H).

(b) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-((11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-11,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate22

The Suzuki coupling procedure described in step (a) was applied to thesynthesis of Compound 21. Compound 20 (62.5 mg 0.044 mmol,) was treatedwith 1 equivalent of 4-hydroxybenzeneboronic acid (10 mg) at 30° C.overnight to afford the desired compound after filtration through a padof silica gel. (40 mg, 0.029 mmol, 66% yield). The compound was useddirectly in the subsequent step

LC-MS RT 4.27 mins, 1371 (M+H)

(c)(S)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(5-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepindiazepine-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one 23

Cadmium/lead couple (100 mg, Q Dong et al. Tetrahedron Letters vol 36,issue 32, 5681-5682, 1995) was added to a solution of 21 (40 mg, 0.029mmol) in THF (1 mL) and ammonium acetate (1 N, 1 mL) and the reactionmixture was allowed to stir for 1 hour. The reaction mixture waspartitioned between chloroform and water, the phases separated and theaqueous phase extracted with chloroform. The combined organic layerswere washed with brine and dried over magnesium sulphate. Rotaryevaporation under reduced pressure yielded the crude product which wassubjected to column chromatography (silica gel, 0→4% MeOH/CHCl₃).Removal of excess eluent by rotary evaporation under reduced pressureafforded the desired imine product (17 mg 0.023 mmol 79%).

LC-MS RT 2.20 mins, 755 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.89 (d, J=3.94Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=4.00 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.38 (d,J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=8.7 Hz,2H), 6.84 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 5.68 (bs, 1H),4.50-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.22-4.00 (m, 4H), 3.93 (s, 6H), 3.82 (s, 3H),3.69-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.28 (m, 2H), 2.64-1.88 (m, 4H), 1.77-1.62 (m,2H).

Example 6

(a) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-((11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-(4-formylphenyl)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepindiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-11,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate24

The Suzuki coupling procedure described in Example 5, step (a), wasapplied to the synthesis of Compound 24. Compound 21 (62.5 mg, 0.044mmol) was treated with 1 equivalent of 4-formylbenzeneboronic acid (10.5mg) at room temperature overnight to afford the desired compound afterfiltration through a pad of silica gel (45 mg, 0.033 mmol, 75% yield).The compound was used directly in the subsequent step.

LC-MS RT 4.42 mins, 1383 (M+H)

(b)4-((S)-7-methoxy-8-(5-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-2-yl)benzaldehyde25

Compound 24 was deprotected by the method described in Example 5, step(c), to yield the desired compound (18 mg, 0.023 mmol, 79%).

LC-MS RT 3.18 mins, 768 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 9.98 (s, 1H),7.91 (d, J=3.90 Hz, 1H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.60-7.45 (m,4H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.90 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83(s, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H), 4.55-4.44 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.36 (m, 1H), 4.23-4.00(m, 4H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.66-3.51 (m, 2H),3.50-3.34 (m, 2H), 2.05-1.87 (m, 4H), 1.76-164 (m, 2H).

Example 7

(a) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl2-(3-aminophenyl)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-((11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-2-(trifluoromethylsulphonyloxy)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepindiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-11,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate 26

The Suzuki coupling procedure described in Example 5, step (a), wasapplied to the synthesis of Compound 26, using 3-aminobenzeneboronicacid to afford the desired compound in 41% yield (230 mg, 0.163 mmol)

LC-MS RT 4.28 mins, 1411 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.44 (bs, 1H),7.29 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H), 7.16 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H),6.84-6.73 (m, 3H), 6.70 (bs, 1H), 6.62 (dd, J=7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1H),6.66-6.58 (m, 2H), 5.25 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 5.24 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H),4.24 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.17-4.07 (m, 2H),4.08-3.89 (m, 10H), 3.43-3.28 (m, 2H), 2.85 (d, J=1.65 Hz, 2H),2.07-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.78-1.63 (m, 2H), 0.94 (s, 9H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.30(s, 6H), 0.27 (s, 6H).

(b) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl2-(3-aminophenyl)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-(11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-(4-(3-(dimethylamino)propoxy)phenyl)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepindiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-11,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate 27

Solid 4-[3-(dimethylamino)propoxybenzeneboronic acid pinacol ester (25mg, 0.082 mmol) was added to a solution of 26 (73 mg, 0.052 mmol),sodium carbonate (18 mg, 0.17 mmol) and palladium tetrakistriphenylphosphine (3 mg) in toluene (1 mL), ethanol (0.5 mL) and water(0.5 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperatureover night. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between ethylacetate and water. The organic layer was washed with water and brine anddried over magnesium sulphate. Excess solvent was removed by rotaryevaporation under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was elutedthrough a plug of silica gel with chloroform/methanol. Removal of excesseluent from selected fractions afforded the 4-methoxyphenyl coupledproduct (50 mg, 0.035 mmol, 67%).

LC-MS RT 4.12 mins, 1440 (M+H)

(c)(S)-2-(3-aminophenyl)-8-(5-((S)-2-(4-(3-(dimethylamino)propoxy)phenyl)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one28

Compound 27 was deprotected by the method described in Example 5, step(c), to yield the desired compound. The reaction mixture was partitionedbetween DCM and aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (emulsion) and thecrude product purified by gradient column chromatography on silica gel(5% methanol chloroform→35% methanol/chloroform) to afford the desiredunsymmetrical PBD imine (50 mg, 0.018 mmol, 58%)

LC-MS RT 2.55 mins, 826 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.92-7.82 (m,2H), 7.52 (bs, 2H), 7.45 (bs, 1H), 7.39 (bs, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=8.6 Hz,2H), 7.14 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.85-6.75 (m, 3H),6.72 (bs, 1H), 6.60 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.46-4.33 (m, 2H), 4.21-3.98 (m,6H), 3.94 (s, 6H), 3.63-3.50 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.29 (m, 2H), 2.64-2.48 (m,2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.10-1.89 (m, 6H), 1.57 (m, 2H).

Example 8

(a) (11S,11aS)-2,2,2-trichloroethyl2-(3-aminophenyl)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-8-(5-((11S,11aS)-11-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-7-methoxy-2-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-oxo-10-((2,2,2-trichloroethoxy)carbonyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepindiazepin-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-7-methoxy-5-oxo-11,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-10(5H)-carboxylate29

The method of Example 7, step (b), was performed to afford the desiredproduct (58 mg, 0.040 mmol, 78%) after filtration through a plug ofsilica gel (with 1/3 methanol/chloroform) and removal of excess solventby rotary evaporation under reduced pressure.

LC-MS RT 4.08 mins, 1439 (M+H)

(b)(S)-2-(3-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(5-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)pentyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one30

The method of Example 7, step (c) was used to deprotect compound 29. Thecrude product was purified by silica gel gradient chromatography (2%methanol chloroform→35% methanol/chloroform) to afford the desiredunsymmetrical PBD imine (18 mg, 0.022 mmol, 59%)

LC-MS RT 2.52 mins, 823 (M+H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl₃) δ 7.80 (d, J=3.8Hz, 2H), 7.45 (s, 2H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=8.6 Hz,2H), 7.07 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.79-6.89 (m, 3H),6.65 (s, 1H), 6.54 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 4.40-4.24 (m, 2H), 4.15-3.93 (m,4H), 3.87 (s, 6H), 3.56-3.42 (m, 2H), 3.37-3.23 (m, 2H), 3.22-3.08 (m,4H), 2.61-2.41 (m, 4H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.98-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.67-1.54 (m,2H).

Example 9

(a)(S)-2-(4-(aminomethyl)phenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,11-dioxo-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepin-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-10-((2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy)methyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)-dione 31

Solid 4-aminomethylbenzeneboronic acid hydrochloride (0.111 g, 0.59mmol) was added to a solution of 17 (0.394 g, 0.37 mmol), sodiumcarbonate (175 mg, 1.654 mmol) and palladium tetrakis triphenylphosphine(28.0 mg, 0.024 mmol) in toluene (10 mL), ethanol (5 mL) and water (5mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight at 30° C. Thefollowing day the reaction mixture was heated for a further 3 hours at70° C. The reaction mixture was then partitioned between ethyl acetateand water. The organic layer was washed with water and brine and driedover magnesium sulphate. Excess solvent was removed by rotaryevaporation under reduced pressure and the resulting residue wassubjected to flash column chromatography (silica gel; gradient elutionEtOAc/hexane 2/98→15/85). Removal of excess eluent from selectedfractions afforded the desired product (0.230 mg, 0.22 mmol, 61%).

LC-MS RT 3.63 mins, 1034 (M+2H); ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO d₆) δ 11.7 (s,2H), 7.52 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.50(d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.19 (m, 5H) 6.93 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.40 (d,J=2.13 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (d, J=2.12 Hz, 1H), 5.32 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 2H), 5.25(d, J=10.6 Hz, 2H), 4.87-4.72 (m, 2H), 4.35-4.15 (m, 4H), 3.85 (s, 6H),3.79 (s, 3H), 3.73-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.39 (m, 4H), 3.22-3.02 (m, 2H),2.39-2.23 (m, 2H), 0.94-0.67 (m, 4H), −0.06 (s, 18H).

(b)(S)-2-(4-(aminomethyl)phenyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,11a-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-one32

Compound 31 was deprotected following the method of Example 1, step (c).The crude product was purified by gradient column chromatography(5/95→30/70 MeOH/CHCl₃) to afford the product as a mixture of imine andcarbinolamine methyl ethers.

LC-MS RT 2.58 mins, 740 (M+H).

Example 10

(S)-2-(4-aminophenyl)-7-methoxy-11(S)-sulpho-8-(3-((S)-7-methoxy-11(S)-sulpho-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-5,10,11,11a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-8-yloxy)propyloxy)-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5(11aH)-onedisodium salt 33

Sodium bisulphite (8.5 mg, 3.1 eq) was added to a stirred suspension ofbis-imine 11 (20 mg, 0.036 mmol) in isopropanol (4 mL) and water (2 mL).The reaction mixture was allowed to stir vigorously and eventuallybecame clear (c. 1 hour). The reaction mixture was transferred to afunnel and filtered through a cotton wall (and then washed with 2 mLwater). The filtrate was flash frozen (liquid and to bath) andlyophilized to afford the desired product 33 in quantitative yield.

LC-MS RT 11.77 mins, 727.2 (M+H) (Mass of parent compound, bisulphiteadducts unstable in mass spectrometer); ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.66-7.55 (m, 5H), 7.43 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=8.66 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 2H),6.93 (d, J=8.84 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (m, 2H), 5.29-5.21 (m, 2H), 4.32-4.28 (m,2H), 4.14-4.20 (m, 4H), 3.96-3.83 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.73 (m, 6H),3.52-3.43 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.08 (m, 2H), 2.24-2.21 (m, 2H).

Example 11 Determination of In Vitro Cytotoxicity

K562 assay

K562 human chronic myeloid leukaemia cells were maintained in RPM1 1640medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 2 mM glutamine at 37°C. in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO₂ and were incubated witha specified dose of drug for 1 hour or 96 hours at 37° C. in the dark.The incubation was terminated by centrifugation (5 min, 300 g) and thecells were washed once with drug-free medium. Following the appropriatedrug treatment, the cells were transferred to 96-well microtiter plates(10⁴ cells per well, 8 wells per sample). Plates were then kept in thedark at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO₂. The assayis based on the ability of viable cells to reduce a yellow solubletetrazolium salt,3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT,Aldrich-Sigma), to an insoluble purple formazan precipitate. Followingincubation of the plates for 4 days (to allow control cells to increasein number by approximately 10 fold), 20 μL of MTT solution (5 mg/mL inphosphate-buffered saline) was added to each well and the plates furtherincubated for 5 h. The plates were then centrifuged for 5 min at 300 gand the bulk of the medium pipetted from the cell pellet leaving 10-20μL per well. DMSO (200 μL) was added to each well and the samplesagitated to ensure complete mixing. The optical density was then read ata wavelength of 550 nm on a Titertek Multiscan ELISA plate reader, and adose-response curve was constructed. For each curve, an IC₅₀ value wasread as the dose required to reduce the final optical density to 50% ofthe control value.

Compound 13 has an IC₅₀ of 30 pM in this assay.

A2780 Assay

A2780 parental cell line was grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles' Media(DMEM) containing ˜10% Foetal Calf Serum (FCS) and ˜1% 200 mML-Glutamine solution and grown in Corning Cellbind 75 cm² flasks.

190 μl cell suspension was added (at 1×10⁴) to each well of columns 2 to11 of a 96 well plate (Nunc 96F flat bottom TC plate). 190 μl of mediawas added to each well of columns 1 and 12. The media was Dulbecco'sModified Eagles' Media (DMEM) (which included˜10% Foetal Calf Serum(FCS) and ˜1% 200 mM L-Glutamine solution).

Plates were incubated overnight at 37° C. before addition of drug ifcells were adherent. 200 μM of the test compound solutions (in 100%DMSO) were serially diluted across a 96 well plate. Each resulting pointwas then further diluted 1/10 into sterile distilled water (SDW).

To the cell negative blanks and compound negative control wells, 10%DMSO was added at 5% v/v. Assay plates were incubated for the followingdurations at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ in a humidified incubator for 72 hours.Following incubation, MTT solution to a final concentration of 1.5 μMwas added to each well. Plates were then incubated for a further 4 hoursat 37° C. in 5% CO₂ in a humidified incubator. The media was thenremoved, and the dye was solubilised in 200 μl DMSO (99.99%).

Plates were read at 540 nm absorbance using an Envision plate reader.Data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism and IC₅₀values obtained.

Compound 11 has an IC₅₀ of 11.7 pM in this assay.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of treatment of a proliferative disease, comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound of formula I:

wherein: R² is of formula II:

where A is a C₅₋₇ aryl group, X is selected from the group consisting of: OH, SH, CO₂H, COH, N═C═O, and NHR^(N), wherein R^(N) is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₄ alkyl, and (OC₂H₄)_(m)OCH₃, where m is 1 to 3, and either: (i) Q¹ is a single bond, and Q² is selected from the group consisting of a single bond and —Z—(CH₂)_(n)—, wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of a single bond, O, S and NH and n is from 1 to 3, or (ii) Q¹ is —CH═CH—, and Q² is a single bond; R¹² is a C₅₋₁₀ aryl group, optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of: halo, nitro, cyano, ether, C₁₋₇ alkyl, C₃₋₇ heterocyclyl and bis-oxy-C₁₋₃ alkylene; R⁶ and R⁹ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂, NHR, NRR′, nitro, Me₃Sn and halo; wherein R and R′ are independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, C₃₋₂₀ heterocyclyl and C₅₋₂₀ aryl groups; R⁷ is selected from the group consisting of H, R, OH, OR, SH, SR, NH₂, NHR, NHRR′, nitro, Me₃Sn and halo; either: (a) R¹⁰ is H, and R¹¹ is OH, or OR^(A), where R^(A) is C₁₋₄alkyl, (b) R¹⁰ and R¹¹ form a nitrogen-carbon double bond between the nitrogen and carbon atoms to which they are bound, or (c) R¹⁰ is H and R¹¹ is SO_(Z)M, where z is 2 or 3 and M is a monovalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation; R″ is a C₃₋₁₂ alkylene group, which chain may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NH, and/or by aromatic rings selected from the group consisting of benzene and pyridine; Y and/or Y′ are independently selected from the group consisting of O, S, and NH; R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁹′ are selected from the same groups as R⁶, R⁷ and R⁹, respectively, and R¹⁰′ and R¹¹′ are the same as R¹⁰ and R¹¹, wherein if R¹¹ and R¹¹′ are SO_(Z)M, M represents a divalent pharmaceutically acceptable cation selected from the group consisting of Ca²⁺and Mg²⁺, wherein the proliferative disease is selected from the group consisting of kidney cancers and breast carcinomas.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁷ is a C₁₋₄ alkyloxy group.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein Y is O.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein R″ is C₃₋₇ alkylene.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁹ is H, and R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of H and halo.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein A is phenyl.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of OH, SH, and NH₂.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein Q¹ is a single bond.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein Q² is a single bond.
 10. A method according to claim 8, wherein Q² is —Z—(CH₂)_(n)—, Z is O or S and n is 1 or
 2. 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein Q¹ is —CH═CH—.
 12. A method according to claim 1, wherein R¹² is a C₅₋₇ aryl group.
 13. A method according to claim 12, wherein R¹² is phenyl.
 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein R¹² is a C₈₋₁₀ aryl group.
 15. A method according to claim 1, wherein R¹⁰ and R¹¹ form a nitrogen-carbon double bond.
 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁶′, R⁷′, R⁹′, R¹⁰′, R¹¹′ and Y′ are the same as R⁶, R⁷, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and Y respectively.
 17. A method according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula I is: 